HISTORY  OF  IRELAND, 


CONTAINIXQ 

A  COMPENDIOUS  ACCOUNT 


Mmy  ^Wutmn  anlr  Suffering, 

WITH  A   DIRECT   REFERENCE  TO   HEB 

POLITICAL   RENOVATION 


FROM  TOE   COMMEXCEMEXT   OF   THE 


REIGN  OF   RODERICK   O'CONNOR, 

HER   LAST    MONARCrr,    DOVTN   TO   TflE    TERMIXATION   OF    THE 
EVER     MEMOKAiJLi; 


BATTLE    OF   THE   BOYNE, 

IN    EPIC    VERSE, 
BY    JEREMIAH     O'DONOVAN 

First  Number. 


Immortal  hands  have  made  this  earth  to  roll ; 
The  very  hands  that  made  the  human  soul. 

For  all  the  faults  herein  I  am  to  blame, 
No  other  bird  had  touched  the  sacred  l^re  ; 

If  there  be  merit.  Dierit  I  do  claim, 
Or  any  burnish  of  poetic  fire. 

1  oets  have  faults,  but  neither  scrip  nor  purse, 

Than  any  other  crime  poverty  is  worse, 


PITTSBURGH : 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR. 

1864. 

BOSTON'rOTXFOK  TJBB  Afi^^ 


44491 


r)A 


?/'^ 


u 


INTRODUCTION. 


A  MAN  who  is  unknown  to  popularity,  or  whose 
literary  productions  have  not  received  the  sanction 
and  approbation  of  literary  men,  should  be  cautious 
in  issuing  any  thing  in  the  form  of  a  written  pro- 
duction, before  an  enlightened  and  discriminating 
community.  He  should  possess  a  large  share  of 
literary  attainments,  together  with  an  admixture 
of  natural  talent,  as  a  collateral  aid,  in  order  to 
place  his  reputation  as  an  author,  beyond  the  reach, 
or  in  other  words,  inaccessible  to  the  envy  of  re- 
proachful criticism  and  calumny.  In  Europe,  a 
man  who  is  confident  he  possesses  the  aforesaid 
combination,  and  wants  to  become  known  as  an 
author,  quakes,  fearing  the  sarcastic,  severe  and 
reproachful  criticism  of  literary  men.  European 
writers,  who  become  celebrated  by  means  of  exten- 
sive erudition,  sublime  ideas,  and  indefatigable 
efibrts,  have  been  assigned  by  distinction,  seats  in 
the  temple  of  fame;  and  such  elevation  has  been 
affirmed  and  ratified,  by  the  approbation  of  an  ad- 
miring community;  those  men,  not  thinking  of  the 
rubbers,  impediments  and  difficulties  they  met  with 
themselves,  are  jealous  of  other  adventurers,  who 
aspire  and  thirst  for  the  same  elevation,  and  would 
rather  retard,  impede  and  contaminate  the  progress 
and  proficiency  of  other  adventurers,  than  accelerate 
them.  It  is  not  the  case  in  our  land  of  freedom ; 
a  man  possessing  the  feeble  elements  of  literature, 
and  is  inspired  by  the  presumptuous  hope  of  sig- 
nalizing himself  as  an  author,  has  no  such  difficul- 
ties to  meet  with.  The  learned  men  of  our  country 
carry  an  eye  of  liberality,  together  with  a  delicate 
feeling,  and  although  that  eye  is  clear-sighted,  it 
is  blind  to  censure,  severe  criticism,  and  obnoxious 
remarks ;  and  if  his  production  be  burnished  with 
anything  like  cleverness  or  ability  it  is  embellished 


to  saturation,  with  recommendatory  remarks,  and 
receives  the  unanimous  sanction  and  approbation 
of  the  competent,  literary  and  scientific  men  of  our 
country.  In  anticipation  of  this  encouragement 
and  favor,  I  have  attempted  to  draw  historically, 
and  in  poetic  verse,  a  picture  of  ill-fated  Erin,  the 
land  of  my  birth,  once  the  land  of  strangers  ;  once 
the  land  of  mirth,  festivity,  song,  music  and  poetry  ; 
once  the  land  of  love,  lore,  abundance  and  hospi- 
tality, and  once  the  land  of  saints ;  but,  alas,  at 
present  the  land  of  sorrow,  pestilence  and  starva- 
tion, caused  by  the  perfidious  legislation  of  despots 
and  strangers ;  now  the  ribald's  jest,  scoff,  laugh 
and  scorn  of  every  uncultivated  genius,  whose 
faculties  have  been  untouched  by  the  influence  of 
neither  liberal  nor  limited  education,  or  historical 
burnish,  that  could  sufficiently  inform  him  of  Erin's 
former  splendor  and  greatness,  and  the  cause  of  her 
present  degredation.  An  Irishman,  or  any  other 
countryman,  writing  her  history,  and  possessing  the 
fine  and  delicate  feelings  of  human  nature,  and 
having  been  conversant  with  the  woes,  afflictions 
and  sufferings  of  the  Irish  people,  since  the  time 
Strongbow  and  his  myrmidons  polluted  and  ulcer- 
ated her  shores  with  the  track  of  their  feet,  will 
make  use,  in  spite  of  every  laudable  restraint,  per- 
haps of  uncharitable  language,  as  he  is  precipitated 
by  an  admixture  of  feeling  and  indignation  beyond 
the  boundaries  of  a  charitable  description,  but  ex- 
aggeration is  impossible,  as  it  is  not  in  the  power 
of  language  to  exaggerate  in  description,  the  cruelty 
exercised  by  the  English  government  on  the  Irish 
people,  for  centuries  past ;  or  since  English  domi- 
nion eclipsed  and  contaminated  the  heavenly  bril- 
liancy of  national  self-legislation  in  that  unfortunate 
country.  The  English  government  fill  and  fatten 
on  the  spoils  of  perfidious  cruelty,  as  a  savage  and 
ferocious  beast  does  on  the  flesh  and  destruction  of 
the  animal  it  devours,  nor  is  this  cruelty  limited 
to  the  Irish  alone ;  it  is  visible  and  severely  felt  in 


all  nations  that  they  conquered ;  the  plague  spot  is 
there  incurably,  and  will  continue  so  whilst  under 
the  control  of  that  government.  English  historians 
and  others  might  think  this  history  chimerically 
digested,  or  the  result  of  a  raving  imagination, 
saturated  with  the  foul  breath  of  prejudice  and 
hereditary  animosity ;  but  it  is  no  such  a  thing,  as 
I  have  quoted  nothing  but  the  honest  testimony  of 
Protestant  historians,  irrefragably  founded  on  facts, 
and  therefore  cannot  be  doubted.  Ireland  had  been 
discovered  three  hundred  years  after  the  deluge, 
which  is  proved  by  the  authenticity  of  the  Book  of 
Invasions;  but  the  permanent  settlement  of  the 
whole 'island,  had  been  accomplished  by  Milesius 
the  5th,  adventurer,  in  the  year  of  the  world  2756. 
Here  the  sterling  investigation  of  some  eminent 
historian  who  signs  himself  Hibernicus,  of  that 
unfortunate  country.  From  the  landing  of  the 
Milesians  to  that  epoch  in  the  annals  of  Ireland, 
1172,  a  period  of  2240  years,  Ireland  flourished 
under  her  own  laws,  as  a  blooming  rose  under  the 
dews  of  Heaven.  But  scarcely  had  the  foot  prints 
of  the  usurper  polluted  her  shores,  than  her  lovely 
valleys  were  changed  into  a  literal  Golgotha.  The 
happiness  of  Ireland  during  her  own  legislation,  is 
beautifully  portrayed  by  her  own  gifted  Goldsmith, 
in  the  following  couplet ; 

*'  A  time  there  was  ere  England's  griefs  began, 
When  every  rood  of  ground  maintained  its  man." 

I  have  omitted  a  dedication,  or  any  thing  like  a 
lengthy  preface,  until  the  numbers  are  completely 
finished,  and  under  one  cover.  As  a  preliminary, 
I  will  quote  an  extract  from  Mr.  Mooney's  history 
of  Ireland,  and  will,  also,  give  his  own  words, 
which  will  elucidate  the  matter  clearly,  and  show 
the  first  step  towards  the  subjugation  and  fatal 
overthrow  of  that  unfortunate  and  ill-fated  country : 
*'Dermot  M'Murrough  O'Kavenough,  King  of 
Leinster,  nursed  a  passion  for  Deagerville,  daughter 
of  the  King  of  Meath,  and  though  she  was  subse- 
1* 


6 

quently  married  to  O'Roark,  Prince  of  Breffney, 
or  West  Meath,  yet  their  mutual  affection  was  not 
extinguished  by  the  separation  consequent  thereon. 
At  length  an  opportunity  offered  which  brought  mat- 
ters to  a  crisis.  It  was  the  practice  in  those  ages 
for  Princes  to  go  on  long  journeys  to  holy  re- 
treats, in  the  performance  of  religious  pilgrimages. 
O'Roarke  had  gone  to  Lough  Dherg,  a  religious  re- 
treat in  the  north  of  Ireland,  which  was  consecrated 
by  St.  Patrick,  and  which  was  frequented  for  several 
centuries  by  greater  numbers  than  even  the  Holy 
See  itself.  In  the  absence  of  O'Roark,  M'Mur- 
rough,  the  Leinster  Prince,  carried  off  Deagerville 
to  his  own  Castle  of  Ferns,  in  Leinster.  On  the 
injured  husband's  return,  his  feelings,  and  those  of 
his  friends,  were  worked  up  to  a  high  pitch  of  anger; 
his  first  act  was  to  complain  to  the  Monarch  Rode- 
rick ;  this  he  did  in  a  letter.  By  the  adultery  of 
a  woman,  Troy  was  sacked,  razed  and  annihilated, 
and  by  the  same  cause,  Ireland  was  prostrated,  as 
it  invited  into  the  country  a  flock  of  rapacious  and 
hungry  vultures ;  and  Ireland  has  been  ever  since 
a  prey  to  the  treachery  and  irresistible  force  of 
daring  and  relentless  invaders." 

Let  no  man  think  that  these  invectives,  denuncia- 
tions, or  as  some  would  term  them,  sarcastic  re- 
proaches, are  directed  towards  the  English  people 
as  a  mass,  by  no  means.  As  a  mass  or  collec- 
tively, I  respect  them  ;  individually  I  admire  them  ; 
these  invectives  are  directed  only  to  the  pernicious, 
outrageous  and  ungracious  government  of  that 
country,  and  will  continue,  while  Providence  will 
spare  me,  invariably  directed  towards  that  mass  of 
corruption,  until  that  body  will  display  some  sig- 
nal act  of  contrition,  for  all  the  injuries  they  have 
done  mankind  in  general,  and  to  my  countrymen 
in  particular.  Then,  and  not  till  then,  will  my 
invectives  cease  ;  this  my  fixed  ami  inflexible  reso- 
lution. 


HISTORY   OF  IRELAND. 


Mac  Murrough  then  was  a  provincial  king, 

The  source  and  parent  of  the  direful  spring, 

Caus'd  woes  unnumbered  to  succeed  and  flow 

From  a  tyrannic  and  despotic  foe. 

On  that  fair  isle,  which  was  the  isle  of  saints, 

Until  the  serpent  sow'd  in  it  complaints, 

"Which  had  polluted  its  superior  soil, 

And  3'et  he  holds  it  for  ignoble  toil. 

All  that  thro'  Mac,  and  his  unlawful  dame, 

It  is  disgusting  to  insert  his  name  ; 

Mac  nursed  a  passion  for  a  Prince's  wife, 

Which  proved  the  cause  of  all  debate  and  strife  ; 

And  when  her  husband  for  devotion's  sake, 

A  tour  of  penance  did  devoutly  take, 

Where  kings  and  princes  did  alternate  meet. 

And  joyfully  they  would  each  other  greet ; 

Through  holy  zeal  exchange  a  loving  kiss, 

The  sign  and  token  of  devoted  bliss, 

This  holy  practice  did  at  once  destroy 

The  feuds  ejecting  a  celestial  joy  ; 

Before  the  Prince  returned  to  his  house, 

A  lustful  king  seduced  his  lawful  spouse. 

Seduced  his  wife  and  brought  her  to  his  place — 

The  guilty  pleasure  wrought  his  own  disgrace. 

The  Prince  returned — how  sad  his  state  must  be  ; 

Then  contemplating  his  sad  destiny ; 

What  sad  emotions,  when  he  saw  his  place 

Had  been  divested  of  its  former  grace  ; 

How  sad  his  heart — how  sorrowful  his  state — 

Himself  a  saint,  his  wife  a  reprobate ; 


8 

Who  stained  her  marriage,  broke  her  holy,  vow, 

And  soil'd  forever  her  angelic  brow. 

Naught  to  console  him  but  a  broken  heart, 

That  felt  the  anguish  of  dishonor's  dart. 

A  fiery  furnance  in  his  bosom  blazed, 

When  sympathisers  on  his  person  gazed; 

This  blaze  was  fed,  though  he  was  not  to  blame, 

By  pride  commingled  with  disgrace  and  shame ; 

His  pride  was  noble,  not  that  kind  of  pride 

That  empty  coxcombs  can't  deny  or  hide. 

A  heinous  thought  of  an  unholy  crime. 

Absorbed  his  studies  for  a  length  of  time ; 

Pride  impelling  to  avenge  and  bleed. 

And  holy  thoughts  forbiding  such  a  deed  ; 

In  this  sad  state  convulsed  he  stood  engaged, 

A  wounded  prince  and  by  a  king  enraged. 

Whether  or  not,  he'd  take  the  villian's  life — 

The  sinful  king  who  had  seduced  his  wife  ; 

Tho'  still  revenge  oft  prompted  him  to  do 

An  act  outrageous  and  revengful  too  ; 

But  still  a  holy  thought  did  supersede 

The  call  of  vengeance  in  the  time  of  need. 

He  sent  a  letter  to  the  king,  now  hear 

It  read  as  follows  to  his  heart  and  ear : 

^'  My  lord  and  leige,  and  monarch  of  this  land, 

Before  this  time  I  know  you  understand, 

The  sad  misfortune  and  intrinsic  woe 

I  feel,  I  bear,  and  now  I  undergo  ; 

I  know,  great  sire,  that  an  imprudent  wife 

Should  cause  no  quarrel  or  excite  no  strife ; 

That  holy  aid,  should  supersede  the  whole,  . 

And  teach  submission  to  the  human  soul ; 

Still,  and  with  all,  if  unresisted  be. 

Such  vile  transgressions,  where's  a  man  to  flee  ? 

The  Chief  himself,  great  sire,  is  not  secure. 

If  Kings  from  Princes  may  their  wives  allure  j 

The  subject  will  transgress  against  his  lord 

Whene'er  temptation  will  a  clue  afford  ; 

And  now,  great  sire,  I  do  of  you  demand. 

Who  has  the  power,  and  can  that  power  command, 


9 

Help  and  assistance  to  avenge  my  cause, 

'Twill  keep  unsullied  all  our  marriage  laws. 

Revenged  I'll  be  of  that  polluting  king, 

And  that  seducer  will  to  justice  bring ; 

For  his  seduction  and  immoral  crime, 

That  with  your  aid,  and  give  that  aid  in  time, 

And  yet  that  wretch,  that  hellish  King,  0  !  Chief, 

Must  end  his  days  in  solitude  and  grief." 

The  King  and  Monarch  sounded  the  alarm. 

And  every  Chief  had  nerved  his  mighty  arm, 

In  haste  assembled  a  tremendous  host 

To  chase  the  viper  from  the  Irish  coast. 

They  met,  they  marched,  determined  to  engage, 

Convulsed  and  strangled  with  amazing  rage, 

Mac  Murrough  said  he  would  defend  his  post, 

Against  the  force  of  this  invading-host. 

Whose  leaders  were  the  Monarch  and  the  Prince, 

To  whom  Mac  Murrough  gave  the  sad  offence ; 

Mac  Murrough  soon  was  discomfitted  then, 

As  being  deserted  by  his  leading  men  ; 

And  when  he  saw  how  things  would  likely  be, 

A  wretch  deserted,  he  was  forced  to  flee  ; 

He  lost  his  lands,  his  province,  and  his  place. 

Arid  had  in  lieu,  but  sorrowful  disgrace  ; 

His  darling  fled,  no  longer  in  his  care. 

To  spend  her  days  in  penitence  and  prayer, 

She  spent  her  life  within  a  holy  cell. 

Inaccessible  to  the  imps  of  hell ; 

Pious  and  good,  she  spent  her  future  time, 

To  make  atonement  for  her  former  crime. 

Dermot  then,  resisting  heavenly  laws. 

Engaged  a  monarch  to  espouse  his  cause ; 

Disgraced,  dishonored,  he  wasj'orced  to  flee, 

And  steer  his  course  across  the  raging  sea ; 

So  great  appeared  in  magnitude  his  crime, 

That  naught  could  cancel,  nay,  no  length  of  time ; 

Time  could  only  aggravate  the  sore. 

And  make  it  still  accumulate  the  more. 

There  was  one  help,  and  that  he'd  have  to  do, 

To  feel  contrition  and  compunction  too,  / 


10 

Give  up  his  prize  and  turn  unto  his  God, 
And  fear  the  vengeance  of  his  chastening  rod ; 
That  he  refused,  and  held  to  his  disgrace, 
Which  brought  destruction  on  a  noble  race, 
Who  suiSered  all  the  misery  and  woe 
They  could  expect  from  a  despotic  foe. 
In  this  sad  state  he  first  and  foremost  thought, 
That  all  restrictions  were  not  worth  a  groat ; 
That  holy  vows  he  could  resist  and  break. 
Without  contrition  for  his  darling's  sake. 
Mac  Murrough  then,  determined  on  a  plan, 
To  aid  his  efforts  and  his  grief  to  fan  ; 
Remained  in  Bristol  but  a  little  time, 
Concocting  schemes  to  mitigate  his  crime, 
And  there' resolved  upon  a  direful  thing, 
To  ask  assistance  of  a  potent  King  ;* 
The  fourth  who  reigned,  tho'  reigning  with  renown. 
Since  bastard  Billy  swayed  the  English  crown, 
That  king  who  did  with  vengeful  spleen  deface, 
The  Saxon  laws  and  all  the  Saxon  race. 
King  Henry  then  in  Normandy  had  been, 
Without  the  comfort  of  his  royal  Queen  ; 
The  audacious  King  who  was  compelled  to  fly. 
Thought  it  no  harm  to  fabricate  a  lie. 
To  him  revealed  his  sorrows  and  his  grief. 
As  being  ejected  by  a  potent  Chief; 
lie  told  the  King  by  this  precipitate  flight. 
He  wanted  succour  to  maintain  the  fight, 
Declared  his  loss,  and  how  he  fled  from  thence. 
By  the  injustice  of  a  King  and  Prince ; 
Concealed  his  crime,  which  is  no  great  surprise, 
And  still  confirming  with  lamenting  sighs. 
The  wretched  King  when  succor  did  implore, 
Was  adding  guilt  to  all  his  guilt  before. 
0  !  King,  said  he,  with  a  convulsive  groan. 
You  sec  me  banished  from  my  royal  throne! 
0  !  mighty  King,  be  pleased  to  tell  me  when. 
You'll  place  this  exile  on  his  throne  again. 
When  Henry  heard  his  sad  lamenting  news, 
Ilis  grief,  his  trouble,  and  his  sore  abuse, 

*  Henry  11. 


11 

He  offered  aid  then  to  regain  his  throne, 

Which  changed  at  once  his  sad  desponding  tone. 

"Your  case  is  sad,"  said  he,  "  if  all  be  true, 

There  is  no  pity  half  so  great  as  you  ; 

To  force  you  hence  must  be  a  sad  disgrace, 

A  wandering  -exile  from  your  royal  place  ; 

In  course  of  time,  now  be  it  understood. 

With  force  effective  I  will  do  you  good." 

Whether  Henry  heard  the  cause  of  his  defeat, 

I  cannot  now  with  certainty  relate. 

But,  if  he  did,  come,  reader  now  declare, 

The  greater  rascal  of  the  royal  pair. 

Then  Dermot  spoke,  "  My  Lord,  my  Liege  and  King, 

My  case  at  present  won't  admit  the  thing ; 

Delays  are  hurtful  to  my  future  bliss, 

When  we  consider  such  a  case  as  this. 

If  you're  unfit  to  help  me  now  at  once, 

I  think  my  Liege  there  is  another  chance ; 

Give  me  permission  'mongst  your  subjects  all. 

To  raise  a  force  that  will  attend  the  call. 

When  I  proclaim  that  I  am  banished  hence, 

To  such  I'll  make  an  ample  recompense. 

Before  this  time  my  province  is  laid  waste, 

My  state  compels  me  to  prepare  in  haste. 

My  throne  is  raz'd,  and  to  augment  my  woes. 

My  subjects  scattered  or  destroyed  by  foes. 

Therefore,  my  Liege,  from  certain  signs  you'll  find, 

That  long  delays  will  leave  me  far  behind." 

Henry  gave  his  approbation,  so 

As  to  encourage  every  one  to  go. 

He  issued  forth  a  proclamation  then. 

To  chieftains,  soldiers,  and  to  daring  men  ; 

It  ran  as  thus,  its  worthy  of  some  note, 

I'll  strive  if  possible  his  words  to  quote  ; 

"  Here  is,"  said  he,  "  my  signature  and  seals, 

To  all  in  England,  Normandy  and  Wales, 

If  there  be  found  among  my  subjects  all. 

Any  or  many,  who'll  attend  the  call. 

And  help  this  King  now  to  regain  his  place, 

May  have  the  assurance  of  my  royal  grace  ; 


12 

He  has  been  banished  by  unjust  decrees, 
And  for  assistance  and  protection  flees ; 
'Twould  please  me  well  if  you'd  declare  as  men, 
You'll  place  this  exile  on  his  throne  again." 
When  Dermot  then  his  sanction  did  receive. 
Then  how  to  act  he  did  at  once  conceive. 
He  sailed  immediately  to  Bristol  back, 
And  sounded  trumpets  for  the  dire  attack  ; 
There,  unsuccessful  Dermot  seemed  to  be, 
Although  full  fledged  with  great  authority  ; 
He  got  no  help,  or  no  assistance  there. 
As  no  one  would  in  his  adventures  share. 
Dismayed,  discouraged,  from  such  adverse  gales, 
He  took  his  passage  for  unlucky  Wales, 
There  at  last  misfortune  crowned  his  cause, 
And  helped  the  exile  to  compose  his  laws. 
There  Earl  Strugal  of  the  Norman  race, 
A  chieftain,  soldier,  did  his  cause  embrace, 
Who  for  his  strong  agility  and  might. 
Or  being  successful  in  some  daring  fight. 
Was  Strongbow  called,  who  meditated  aid. 
And  had  in  lieu  these  regulations  made. 
They  made  arrangements  with  egregious  art, 
And  each  determined  to  fulfill  his  part. 
So  foul  a  compact  ne'er  before  had  been. 
So  vile,  so  hellish,  or  so  full  of  spleen. 
The  parties  drew  the  sad  conditions  then, 
And  signed  they  were  by  two  ungodly  men. 
To  act  more  strenuous,  the  ungodly  pair 
To  their  fulfilment,  did  ungodly  swear 
To  keep  unbroken  all  conditions  made. 
With  acts  perfidious  and  a  timely  aid. 
The  wicked  plan  and  the  unholy  vow, 
AVould  stain  and  tarnish  'a  Satanic  brow  ; 
The  hellish  pair  I  do  sincerely  tell, 
Would  scandalize  the  very  imps  of  hell. 
I  will  endeavor  to  describe  the  pair. 
Who  work'd  together  with  assiduous  care. 
I'he  one  a  King,  and  loaded  with  disgrace. 
The  other  a  Chieftain  of  the  Norman"^  race. 
*  Tlie  English  are  Normans  to  a  man. 


*      -  13 

Great  spoils  and  riches  Strongbow  was  to  get, 
When  on  his  throne  the  banished  King  would  sit ; 
And  if  the  King  should  die  before  his  aid, 
Then,  master,  monarch,  owner  he  was  made ; 
And  more  than  all,  the  King  did  then  engage 
To  give  his  daughter,  at  a  proper  age, 
In  wedlock  bands  to  Strongbow,  to  complete 
The  former  guilt  that  did  them  reprobate. 
When  all  was  fix'd,  the  King,  without  delay, 
To  Erin's  Isle  had  measured  back  his  way. 
No  sooner  landed  on  the  Irish  shore. 
From  thence  the  traitor  was  exiled  before, 
Than  did  O'Roark,  his  dire  immortal  foe, 
Prepare  himself  to  strike  the  mortal  blow. 
The  banished  King,  the  injured  prince  to  please, 
Had  begg'd  for  mercy  on  his  bended  knees ; 
A  fearful  tremor  agoniz'd  his  frame. 
Which  showed  his  guilt,  his  blemish,  and  his  blame. 
But  all  in  vain,  O'Roark  determined  then 
To  kill  the  wretch,  or  drive  him  back  again. 
Surrounded  thus,  he  thought  it  was  his  time 
To  feign  contrition  for  his  heinous  crime. 
Th'  penitent  wretch,  with  hypocritic  tears 
That  flow'd  spontaneous  from  his  inward  fears, 
Displayed  such  grief  before  the  assembled  foes, 
That  feeling  men  had  felt  for  all  his  woes, — 
Declared  himself,  with  horror  and  dismay, 
A  guilty  King  that  would  the  Church  obey, — 
Atonement  make — for  every  vile  offence — 
To  God,  the  Monarch,  and  the  wounded  Prince. 
A  clergyman,  of  eloquent  address. 
Whose  power  successive  had  the  power  to  bless. 
And  felt  afflicted  at  his  wretched  state, 
Offered  himself  his  woes  to  hebetate, 
And  sought  at  once  the  Monarch  and  the  Chief, 
Then  to  allay  and  mitigate  his  grief. 
The  Church  attempted,  with  her  usual  grace. 
And  wishing  to  obliterate  disgrace. 
With  heavenly  meekness  then  did  interpose 
Between  the  wretch  and  aggravated  foes ; 
2 


14  -      * 

They  all  withdrew,  unwilling  to  declare 

Their  sad  intention,  whilst  the  priest  was  there. 

All  shuddered  still  with  an  amazing  rage ; 

The  strong,  the  bold,  the  warlike,  and  the  sage, 

Who  had  agreed  the  struggle  to  decide, 

By  throwing  him  headlong  in  the  briny  tide. 

Yet,  and  withal,  a  pious  man's  control 

Subdued  their  passions,  and  appeased  the  whole. 

The  priest  withdrew,  and  to  the  Monarch  went, 

As  peace  and  harmony  were  his  intent : 

Implored  of  him  to  stop  the  direful  spring, 

And  yield  protection  to  the  wretched  King, 

Who  feels  much  grieved,  and  great  contrition  shows 

By  marks  exterior,  from  interior  woes. 

Do  good  for  evil,  is  high  heaven's  decree. 

And  when  we  do,  the  saints  rejoice  to  see : 

Our  former  stains  are  cancelled,  and  their  date 

When  love  is  put  a  substitute  for  hate. 

'Tis  true,  my  liege,  we're  all  to  evil  prone. 

But  vengeance  does  belong  to  God  alone ; 

Therefore,  forgive,  and  angels  will  rejoice  ; 

For  well  they  know  you'll  make  the  better  choice. 

These  words  terrific  sounded  in  his  ear, 

And  struck  the  Monarch  with  a  heavenly  fear  ; 

He  seemed  awhile  to  think,  and  meditate 

On  present  time  and  on  a  future  state, — 

But  soon  concluded  to  control  his  rage. 

And  hear  the  counsel  of  a  pious  sage, — 

That  earthly  pleasure  was  a  transient  blast, 

Compared  to  bliss  that  would  forever  last. 

He  said  he'd  send  for  the  insulted  Prince, 

And  try  to  reconcile  the  sad  offence ; 

And  if  the  Prince  will  justify  the  course. 

He'd  peace  prefer,  and  would  dismiss  his  force. 

And  as  his  wife  a  penitent  had  been. 

And  would  remain  a  penitent  unseen. 

He  thought  it  better  to  allay  the  strife. 

Than  cause  the  guilty  to  resign  his  life. 

When  thus  agreed,  to  reconcile  the  thing. 

The  priest  returned  unto  the  wretched  King. 


15 

To  seven  hostages  then  bound  had  been, 
To  stem  the  current  of  amazing  spleen. 
He  said  he  would  a  yearly  tribute  bring, 
And  be  submissive  to  the  reigning  King ; 
And  to  atone  for  his  transgressing  deed, 
Which  was  a  blemish  to  his  faith  and  creed, 
One  thousand  ounces  of  pure  silver  brought. 
To  give  the  Prince  as  to  appease  his  wrath ; 
And  any  sacrifice  he'd  freely  make. 
To  holy  laws,  and  for  devotion's  sake ; 
And  then  agreed  to  any  thing  they'd  say — 
Which  proved  to  Ireland  an  unhappy  day. 
If  then,  they  threw  the  villain  in  the  tide, 
Then  every  thing  would  afterwards  have  died. 
The  case,  as  thus,  was  settled  and  arranged ; 
Though  being  before  unsettled  and  deranged. 
The  King,*  the  share  of  his  dominion  lost, 
By  approbation  did  receive  at  last; 
Then  every  ripple  calmly  settled  down, 
And  smiles  ejected  each  disgusting  frown. 
It  would  be  well  if  things  continued  so, 
'Twould  make  a  friend  of  each  rebellious  foe ; 
The  direful  spring  of  anger  'twould  allay. 
And  banish  wrath  and  angry  strife  away. 
Oft  skies  serene,  and  sunny  hours  had  been 
Dispersed  and  scattered  by  a  cloud  unseen  ; 
And  heavy  tempests  drive  along  the  plain. 
Sweep  all  the  forest  and  destroy  the  grain : 
The  wretched  traitor,  to  provoke  the  sore. 
Had  made  things  worse  than  they  had  been  before. 
The  blighted,  blasted,  and  degraded  King,* 
The  cause  and  parent  of  the  direful  spring. 
With  acts  perfidious  he  commenced  unknown, 
As  soon  as  settled  on  his  fallen  throne. 
He  sent  O'Reganf  to  require  the  aid, 
According  to  the  stipulations  made. 
To  Strongbow,  then,  to  meditate  the  case. 
And  spur  his  chieftains  to  obtain  the  race. 

*  Mac  Murrough.  f  O'Regan,  his  Secretary. 


16 

And  to  avoid  suspicion,  he  should  come, — 

Not  with  the  whole, — but  now  and  then  with  some ; 

For  fear  the  Irish  would  detect  deceit, 

Destroy  his  troops,  and  scatter  all  his  fleet. 

Now,  who  could  think  a  son  of  that  fair  Isle 

Could  hatch  such  malice,  or  possess  such  guile? 

The  Isle  of  saints,  in  each  historic  page 

So  fair,  so  famed,  so  named  in  every  age, 

Could  yet  produce  a  traitor  of  his  dye. 

Alas!  it  did;  and  such  I  can't  deny. 

He  sold  his  country,  and  his  daughter  too, 

To  alien  blood,  and  to  a  hateful  crew. 

The  deeds  were  bad  for  which  the  wretch  was  curs'd, 

He  made  bad  worse,  and  worse  he  made  it  worst. 

Q^hen  Strongbow  did  as  he  would  wish  to  do ; 

He  sailed  across  with  an  invidious  crew, 

And  landed  quietly  on  the  Irish  shore  : 

That  fatal  landing,  how  all  men  deplore. 

That  day  her  mourning  Erin  did  prepare, 

And  wears  it  yet,  since  he  had  landed  there. 

But  ere  its  long,  her  bridal  robes  shall  be, 

Of  snowy  satin  fringed  with  liberty. 

'Twas  in  spring,  and  in  the  month  of  May,  [1169.] 

When  warblers  carolled  an  amusing  lay, — 

When  the  fairy  Isle  was  clothed  all  in  green. 

The  English  fleet  on  Erin's  coast  was  seen. 

To  number  Archers,  Esquires,  and  each  Knight, 

That  came  together  to  maintain  the  fight. 

No  more  than  seven  hundred  men  were  there, 

To  help  the  King  and  his  degraded  heir. 

Who  went  to  meet  them  with  a  mounted  force, 

And  daring  pilots  to  protect  his  course. 

The  father  followed  with  two  thousand  more, 

And  met  the  Harpies  on  the  Irish  shore. 

Their  first  attempt  was  to  destroy  the  town,* 

Of  ancient  date  and  very  great  renown. 

The  Wexford  men  were  always  good  and  great, 

They  fought  well  then,  and  better  fought  of  late.f 

*  Wexford 

f  In  the  last  Rebellion,  the  Wexford  men  displayed  much 
skill,  ability  and  valor. 


17 

Their  great  display  upon  the  Irish  soil, 
Demanded  something  to  requite  their  toil : 
Incased  in  armor,  handsome,  bright  and  new, 
Was  every  one  of  the  adventurous  crew. 
They  thought  at  once  the  two  to  overthrow 
With  one  determined  and  decisive  blow. 
When  they  attempted  to  ascend  the  wall, 
An  Archer,  Esquire,  or  a  Knight  would  fall ; 
By  which,  at  every  well  directed  blow, 
A  man  was  kill'd  by  his  indignant  foe. 
The  siege  had  lasted  three  successive  days. 
And  polished  mails  emitting  shining  rays. 
They  were  repulsed,  and  sounded  a  retreat, 
Till  one  bold  chieftain  burned  all  their  fleet, 
And  left  no  means  at  all  for  them  to  fly, 
But  fight  the  battle — else  inglorious  die. 
The  Bishop  came,  with  all  the  clergymen, 
And  brought  the  fray  to  a  conclusion  then, 
And  sweet  devotion  offered  in  its  place, 
The  cheering  offspring  of  celestial  grace. 
No  sooner  did  the  Bishop  interpose 
Between  the  townsmen  and  invading  foes. 
Than  all  the  clergy  did  at  one  prepare 
To  offer  up  a  peaceful,  pious  prayer, 
AVhich  put  an  end  to  all  unholy  strife. 
And  stopp'd  the  practice  of  destroying  life ; 
They  made  each  man  to  his  allegiance  turn, 
That  did  before  with  anger  inly  burn. 
The  traitor  then  had  promised  to  divorce 
Invidious  aid  from  all  his  native  force. 
And  be  contented  without  fear  or  frown. 
If  he  would  get  possession  of  the  town. 
They  all  agreed,  and  opened  wide  the  gate, 
And  gave  permission  to  the  reprobate. 
He  then  walked  in,  and  found  that  he  had  been 
In  full  possession  to  display  his  spleen. 
The  traitor  entered  through  the  massy  gate, 
With  all  submission  due  to  royal  state. 
Pale,  trembling,  then,  dear  Erin  had  to  lie, 
That  fatal  step  had  fated  her  to  die  : 
2* 


18 

Her  own  dear  son  that  gave  the  fatal  stroke, 

And  made  her  bear  a  slave's  ignoble  yoke. 

How  long,  indeed,  she  will  continue  yet 

To  wear  her  yoke,  and  robes  as  black  as  jet. 

But  th'  time  will  come  when  things  will  not  be  so ; 

With  robes  still  fairer  than  the  driven  snow, 

She  will  be  seen  in  all  her  royal  state, 

Her  sighs  and  sorrows  then  must  dissipate ; 

She'll  touch  the  Harp,  and  sing  that  Erin's  free, 

And  all  her  sons  have  got  their  liberty. 

Mac  Murrough  then,  with  all  his  force  and  aid, 

A  visit  to  the  neighboring  chiefs  had  paid ; 

Subdued  the  whole,  committed  every  crime 

I  could  unfold,  in  either  prose  or  rhyme. 

His  fame  extended,  terror  was  his  name, 

Until  the  nation  kindled  in  a  flame. 

And  then  O'Connor,  Monarch,  Chief  and  King,    . 

Soon  did  the  traitor  to  submission  bring. 

He  raised  an  army  twenty  thousand  strong, 

Of  warlike  heroes  whom  he  marched  along. 

And  soon  defeated  all  pretensions  made 

By  King,  by  natives,  and  by  foreign  aid. 

The  dastard  King,*  as  usual,  had  recourse 

To  do  by  art,  what  he  could  not  by  force : 

With  guileful  tears  that  did  appear  to  flow, 

He  begged  the  Bishop  to  avert  the  blow  ; 

And  then  declared,  and  made  a  solemn  oath 

To  obey  the  Bishop  and  the  Monarch  both. 

He  swore  the  oath — the  better  to  record — 

Before  the  holy  altar  of  the  Lord  : 

He'd  live  in  peace,  and  pay  the  tribute  due. 

And  be  submissive  to  the  Monarch  too. 

His  eyes  with  tears,  his  heart  with  sorrow  filled. 

And  felt  contrition  for  the  number  killed. 

The  Bishop  said  the  eleventh  hour  would  do, 

And  thought  the  dastard  was  sincerely  true. 

0  !  with  what  ease  will  wicked  rogues  impose 

On  pious  men,  who  cannot  be  their  foes. 

*  Mac  Murrough,  King  of  Leiuster. 


19 

This  hellish  fiend,  and  the  invidious  foe, 

Whene'er  the  Bishop  did  avert  the  blow, 

Though  promised  him  then  to  dismiss  his  aid, 

And  all  arrangements  for  this  purpose  made. 

Determin'd  still  a  foreign  aid  to  call — 

Defeat  the  Monarch,  or  a  victim  fall ; 

And  for  that  end  a  correspondence  kept 

With  foreign  foes,  when  honest  men  had  slept : 

Invited  Strongbow  with  a  specious  fleet. 

The  King  and  aid  in  Waterford  to  meet; 

That  part  possessed  would  crown  the  present  cause, 

And  bid  defiance  to  the  Monarch's  laws : 

Then  march  to  Dublin,  and  that  place  subdue, 

And  that  was  all  they  would  have  need  to  do. 

All  this  completed,  with  a  little  more. 

Would  save  the  harbor  and  protect  the  shore* 

This  is  the  way  the  traitor  proved  again 

A  lasting  stigma  to  all  honest  men. 

These  sad  directions  to  a  guileful  foe, 

Left  Erin's  Isle  in  misery  and  woe. 

A  specious  fleet  had  sailed  along  the  coast,  [1170.] 

"W^ell  trimmed,  and  managed  by  a  warlike  host, 

Who  took  no  time  to  try  for  depth  or  sound. 

Till  sure  protection  in  the  harbor  found.* 

When  Strongbow  came  with  a  ferocious  crew 

That  kept  destruction  all  the  time  in  view, 

He  met  the  King  with  all  his  native  aid ; 

And  then,  according  to  arragements  made, 

Combined  together ;  they  declared  their  aim, 

And  for  what  purpose  they  together  came, — 

Demanded  then  possession  of  the  place. 

The  native  Irish,  and  the  Norman  race. 

The  King  commanded,  and  directed  all 

To  raise  the  siege,  and  batter  down  the  wall. 

The  odious  viper  of  satanic  hue. 

The  man  of  sin  and  disobedience  too, 

The  fiendish  villain  made  them  there  destroy. 

With  Vandal  hands,  the  second  fated  Troy. 

*  Waterford. 


20 

Then  all  its  treasure  and  amazing  wealth, 
They  got  by  plunder  and  rapacious  stealth ; 
The  place  subdued,  and  in  possession  kept. 
As  being  reduced  when  honest  men  had  slept. 
Such  dreadful  havoc  in  a  Christian  age, 
Could  not  be  told  in  this  historic  page. 
Like  wolves  ferocious  that  destroy  the  flock, 
And  then  the  efforts  of  the  shepherd  mock, — 
That  break  the  fold  when  thoughtless  shepherds 

sleep 
Devour  the  lambs,  and  then  devour  the  sheep ; 
Relentless  howl,  when  each  ferocious  beast 
Is  filled  and  glutted  from  the  guilty  feast, — 
With  savage  growl  defy  all  power  on  earth, 
Because  being  savage  from  their  very  birth. 
Just  so,  elated  by  the  direful  deed, 
Were  native  rebels  and  a  foreign  breed. 
To  cap  the  climax,  and  to  make  things  worse, 
And  bear  the  burden  of  a  double  curse, 
He  gave  his  daughter,*  heiress  of  the  King, 
The  fairest  lily  of  a  flowery  spring — 
In  wedlock  bands  to  Strongbow  to  maintain, 
'Midst  heaps  of  women  and  of  children  slain. 
In  slaughtered  piles  were  heaped  upon  the  ground, 
And  heaps  promiscuous  mangled  there  were  found. 
A  sumptuous  feast  had  solemnized  the  glee, 
And  merry  songs  had  graced  the  jubilee. 
Those  vile  invaders  are  a  sad  disgrace. 
And  glaring  stigma  to  the  human  race. 
The  die  foretold  another  trip  to  take. 
And  one  more  effort  they  were  doomed  to  make. 
They  joined  at  once  in  the  unholy  cause. 
More  bent  on  murder  than  to  gain  applause ; 
Away  they  hied,  for  Dublin  they  were  bound, 
By  paths  remote,  unknown,  that  they  had  found, 
Por  all  the  passes,  with  a  mighty  force. 
The  Monarch  watched  to  interrupt  their  course. 
Aware  of  this  the  vile  rebellious  foe, 
To  shun  the  danger  and  avoid  the  blow, 
*  Eva,  or  Eve. 


21 

Through  woods  and  wastes  without  the  least  delay, 
With  noiseless  steps  they  had  made  out  their  way, 
And  ere  the  Monarch  was  apprized  at  all, 
They  were  entrenched  around  the  city  wall ; 
Demanded  then  to  get  admittance  there. 
Or  else  to  conquer  they  would  soon  prepare ; 
The  answer  was,  let  your  prodigious  host. 
Prepare  at  once  and  make  no  haughty  boast ; 
We  bid  defiance  to  your  childish  threats, 
Preferring  action  to  your  long  debates, 
As  all  privations  we  will  undergo, 
Rather  than  submit  to  a  detested  foe. 
Come  on,  get  ready,  make  no  long  delay. 
You'll  find  much  hardship  to  maintain  the  fray ; 
No  sooner  said,  than,  altogether  done. 
And  Chiefs  gave  signals  to  begin  the  fun. 
They  soon  commenced,  and  dreadful  was  the  fray, 
When  they  contended  without  much  delay  ; 
Each  hero  standing  on  a  fearful  post. 
With  Hector  hands  could  batter  down  a  host. 
The  Fates  decreed  that  neither  side  should  yield, 
But  still  contest  the  glory  of  the  field ; 
Both  parties  then  without  the  least  repose. 
Did,  sword  to  sword,  and  man  to  man  oppose ; 
Each  Chief  engaged  in  this  terrific  fray. 
Thought  not  of  death,  but  of  a  sovereign  sway, 
Impelled  by  rage  and  principle  of  hate. 
Against  the  King,  the  direful  reprobate. 
Whose  perjured  vows  and  acts  of  such  disgrace, 
Invited  robbers  of  the  Norman  race, 
Whose  dire  aggressions  with  unusual  haste, 
Made  dreary  deserts  and  laid  cities  waste ; 
When  they  attempted  to  assail  the  wall, 
A  lifeless  robber  would  reveal  the  fall. 
Repulsed,  defeated,  and  subdued  were  they. 
By  matchless  heralds  on  that  dreadful  day ; 
Still  a  vile  traitor  gave  the  fatal  blow, 
Subdued  the  place  and  gave  it  to  the  foe. 
The  Archbishop  then  to  settle  the  dispute. 
With  holy  zeal  and  christian  fortitude, 


22 

Then  went  himself  there  to  allay  the  strife, 

As  peace  was  better  for  securing  life ; 

Peace  he  thought  would  set  the  spirit  free, 

To  gain  full  bliss  for  all  eternity. 

Between  the  parties  then  did  meditate, 

And  strove  in  peace  the  strife  to  regulate ; 

But  foreign  foes  and  a  degraded  King, 

Were  the  two  pillars  of  the  direful  spring. 

Forgetting  honor  when  they  made  a  league. 

Though  oft  it  mentioned  for  the  vile  intrigue. 

No  oath,  no  law,  no  honor  could  them  bind, 

A  lawless  crew,  ungenerous,  unkind. 

Ungodly,  headstrong,  rash,  rebellious,  vile, 

No  man  can  justly  otherwise  them  style. 

The  sons  of  strife,  dishonor  and  disgrace. 

The  King  had  been,  and  all  the  Norman  race. 

Whilst  the  Archbishop  meditated  peace, 

The  prowling  wolves  were  panting  for  the  fleece ; 

And  in  that  hour,  when  least  expected  too, 

The  cruel  wretches  and  satanic  crew. 

To  arms  fled,  then  to  destroy  the  place. 

Like  hungry  wolves,  regardless  of  disgrace, 

With  fearful  havoc  and  destructive  rage, 

Destroyed  unmercifully,  every  age. 

The  youth,  indeed,  that  did  to  manhood  grow, 

The  babe,  the  mother,  and  the  father  too ; 

And  sparing  none  in  the  unholy  strife. 

Who  begged  for  mercy  to  prolong  his  life. 

Till  saddening  groans  and  agonizing  cries. 

Would  draw  whole  rivers  from  lamenting  eyes, 

Except  from  Vandals  of  satanic  sway. 

Bad  works  directed  in  damnation's  way. 

The  Archbishop*  saw  by  treachery  the  fall, 

Of  all  surrounded  by  the  city  wall ; 

With  hurried  pace  he  sought  the  reigning  Chief, 

To  him  investigated  all  his  grief, 

Revealed  to  him  his  misery  and  woe. 

As  reckless  Vandals  struck  the  fatal  blow. 

*  Laurence   O'Tool,   Archbishop  of  Dublin,   and   the   most 
literary  man  in  Europe  at  the  time. 


23 

I  hope,  said  he,  you'll  counteract  their  laws, 

And  get  connected  with  the  present  cause, 

And  raise  an  army  or  prodigious  host. 

To  drive  the  vipers  from  the  Irish  coast ; 

Encourage,  call,  command,  and  legislate, 

"With  sovereign  skill,  and  do  not  hesitate. 

Or  else  the  case,  attended  with  delay. 

Will  mar  your  will,  and  blight  your  sovereign  sway. 

Devouring  wolves  with  a  tremendous  force, 

Will  soon  your  crown  and  dignity  divorce, 

Therefore  prepare,  and  do  not  lose  an  hour. 

And  use  the  rod,  or  else  you'll  loose  the  power. 

The  heedless  King  with  some  reluctance  then, 

Had  issued  orders  for  enrolling  men  ; 

The  petty  Kings  in  great  confusion  were. 

And  home  dissensions  signalized  their  care. 

Each  Chief  contending  with  exulting  pride. 

To  swell  the  current  and  rebellious  tide, 

Resistless,  strong,  unwilling  then  to  yield, 

And  each  a  hero  in  the  stormy  field, 

A  small  offence  would  be  a  fatal  blow, 

To  any  branch  of  either  Mac  or  0'. 

The  root,  if  touched,  would  wither  all  the  rest, 

And  wound  the  feelings  of  the  haughty  breast, 

A  clanish  murmur  would  reverberate 

From  lofty  mountains,  to  exterminate 

The  foul  asperser  of  an  ancient  Chief. 

The  trial  short,  the  execution  brief. 

The  man  should  die,  or  else  atonement  make. 

Or  some  submission  for  the  error's  sake. 

But  Irish  pride  could  no  obedience  yield, 

When  thirst  of  glory  called  him  to  the  field. 

Impelling  him  to  show  superior  might. 

Without  e'en  thinking  whether  wrong  or  right; 

A  fierce  commotion  would  efface  the  stain. 

And  all  such  nonsense  for  the  want  of  brain. 

'Tis  strange,  indeed,  that  such  a  warlike  race 

Could  be  so  slack,  in  a  tremendous  case. 

The  weakest  Chief  could  muster  and  could  raise 

A  greater  force  than  would  allay  the  blaze, 


24 

Destroy  the  foes  who  came  in  quest  of  gain, 
Or  plunge  them  headlong  in  the  briny  main. 
But  this  one  thing,  which  is  well  known  to  all, 
A  house  divided  can't  but  surely  fall : 
Without  a  union,  our  sad  destiny 
Is  to  be  in  bondage,  when  we  should  be  free. 
The  Monarch  could  not  coincide  at  all, 
Nor  yet  comply  with  the  Archbishop's  call. 
He.  added  prudence  to  obedience  too, 
And  tried  what  patience  afterwards  would  do. 
He  seemed  unfit  to  regulate  the  spring 
And  warlike  actions  of  each  petty  King ; 
Though  all  were  subject  to  his  high  command, 
He  would  not  venture  them  to  reprimand, — 
As  he  much  doubted  the  sincerity 
Of  rabid  rebels,  who  could  not  agree. 
Amongst  themselves  perhaps  a  union  make 
To  break  the  yoke  and  all  allegiance  shake, 
Defy  the  Monarch  and  resist  his  laws, 
And  give  no  aid  to  help  the  present  cause. 
So  wisdom  taught  him  to  be  very  mute. 
Till  rebel  Chiefs  had  settled  the  dispute. 
His  patience  seemed  to  be  entirely  spent, 
As  home  contensions  had  already  rent. 
And  dire  distractions  did  assunder  part 
The  peaceful  tenor  of  the  Monarch's  heart. 
The  Chiefs  contending  in  their  usual  way, 
To  mount  the  summit  of  unbounded  sway. 
With  strenuous  efforts  tending  to  defeat, 
Soon  sought  the  field  to  settle  the  debate ; 
Thinking  still,  they  soon  could  overthrow. 
The  rash  attempt  of  an  invading  foe. 
Without,  alas,  without  a  wound  or  scar. 
And  thought  it  nothing  but  a  border  war. 
At  length  the  King  determined  to  withstand 
The  headlong  fury  of  the  lawless  band ; 
Then  called  on  all  obedient  to  his  will, 
Possessing  might  and  a  superior  skill. 
To  quell  the  efforts  and  the  direful  spring. 
Of  Norman  robbers  and  a  graceless  King, 


25 

Unite  together  in  the  common  cause, 

And  be  obedient  to  the  Monarch's  laws. 

A  union  soon  would  terrify  the  foe,  ^ 

And  quell  the  strife  without  a  single  blow  ; 

Disperse  that  band  whose  actions  would  disgrace 

The  wildest  savage  of  the  Indian  race  ; 

A  mob  destructive  to  all  happiness, 

And  to  all  laws  that  God  had  made  to  bless  ; 

The  spring,  the  source  and  fountain  of  all  fraud, 

Despised  at  home,  and  more  despised  abroad^ 

Whose  works  of  mercy  and  devotion  are. 

Now  murder,  plunder,  treachery  and  war ; — ■ 

A  baneful  blight  and  everlasting  curse. 

To  health,  to  peace,  to  religion  and  purse, 

To  morals,  manners,  and  each  holy  deedj 

Though  such  repugnant  to  their  faith  and  creed. 

Though  much  oppressed  the  Monarch  then  had  been,- 

By  lawless  lions  in  the  shape  of  men. 

Whose  frequent  quarrels  and  unbounded  rage, 

No  seer  could  settle  or  reputed  sage. 

The  bugle  sounded  then  to  marshal  all 

Who  were  obedient  to  the  Monarch's  call, 

And  to  defeat  a  vile  ferocious  band. 

Whose  hellish  acts  had  blighted  all  the  land. 

The  King  advising  every  one  to  pause, 

And  join  together  to  support  the  laws, 

Each  patriot  then  to  rally  round  his  throne, 

And  its  protection  would  protect  his  own : 

Prepare  themselves  to  stem  the  dire  affray, 

And  help  the  King  to  drive  the  foes  away  : 

And  any  cause  would  stay  the  prosecution. 

Would  purchase  death  and  seal  our  executiori. 

'Twas  all  in  vain,  the  Monarch,  Chief  and  King, 

Could  not  prevail  or  moderate  the  sting  ; 

Could  not  convene  a  vast  prodigious  host. 

By  council,  caution,  or  presumptuous  boast. 

Still  to  his  aid  a  certain  number  came. 

Then  to  preserve  his  dignity  and  fame ; 

An  overmatch  for  a  disgraceful  King,* 

The  lustful  parent  of  the  direful  spring } 

*  Mac  Murrough. 
3 


2d 

And  every  robber  of  the  Norman  race, 

In  quest  of  plunder  left  his  native  place, 

If  well  directed  and  commanded  were, 

By  skilful  Chiefs  that  did  not  interfere ; 

Chiefs  that  would  with  great  precision  lead, 

To  gain  advantage  in  the  time  of  need, 

Were  wanting  then  there  to  investigate, 

And  cause  the  men  to  break  the  city  gate. 

But  they  refused  or  else  could  not  be  found 

Among  the  forces  on  the  hostile  ground. 

Without  an  effort  to  subdue  the  foe. 

But  boastful  brags  and  quite  an  empty  show ; 

They  there  remained  for  weeks  around  the  wall, 

Alike  the  ox  that  fattens  in  a  stall. 

Effected  nothing  but  a  wild  display 

Of  floating  banners  to  denote  the  fray. 

And  so  continued,  till  at  length  you'll  hear, 

As  being  unconscious  of  approaching  fear. 

The  foe  undaunted,  sallied  forth  by  night; 

With  sword  in  hand  they  did  commence  the  fight, 

Dispersed,  defeated,  and  repulsed  them  all, 

As  they  encamped  around  the  city  wall; 

Though  strange  to  tell  they  terrified  the  whole. 

And  home  returned  every  mother  soul. 

Provoked,  lamenting,  then  to  interfere — 

And  yet  the  Monarch  coming  in  the  rear ; 

All  Ireland  felt  the  fatal  overthrow. 

And  then  determined  to  repel  the  foe. 

But  woe  to  them,  as  this  proved  rather  late. 

When  they  had  felt  in  that  indignant  state, 

Ecclesiastics  met  of  every  grade. 

By  previous  acts  and  resolutions  made. 

And  in  the  act  of  sweet  devotion  there, 

When  holy  incense  sanctified  the  air. 

They  then  took  a  comprehensive  view. 

Of  all  the  past  and  of  the  present  too ; 

They  scan'd  the  whole,  as  if  by  holy  laws. 

And  from  the  effect  brought  the  hidden  cause  ; 

And  for  that  cause  they  thought  that  heaven's  decree. 

Had  sent  a  scourge  and  dire  calamity ; 


27 

The  cause  was  this,  as  they  considered  then, 

The  crime  of  buying  and  of  selling  men. 

This  crime,  so  heinous  in  the  sight  of  God, 

Made  both  the  buyer  and  the  seller  bad  ; 

The  English  had  their  countrymen  for  sale, 

A  crime  so  odious,  which  we  should  conceal ; 

The  Irish  bought  them  at  an  easy  rate, 

To  till  the  soil  and  cultivate  the  state. 

That  such  inhuman  and  ungodly  sale. 

Makes  man  a  brute  and  brutes  of  men  for  weal. 

The  synod  said  the  traffic  now  expires. 

And  for  that  end  had  kindled  holy  fires ; 

Holy  smoke  from  holy  incense  rose. 

To  bless  themselves  and  sanctify  their  foes. 

To  put  a  stop  to  such  transgressions  then, 

As  had  been  practiced  by  unrighteous  men, 

For  nothing  else  could  instigate  the  foe, 

To  cause  such  sorrow  and  unceasing  wo ; 

But  Heaven's  decree,  that  does  that  power  command, 

And  poured  such  vengeance  on  this  holy  land. 

When  all  was  said  they  all  did  kneel  to  pray, 

And  in  that  posture  did  consume  the  day, 

Mac  Murrough  then  and  Strongbow  were  at  ease. 

Could  act,  and  do,  and  say,  whate'er  they  please. 

Excessive  glee  to  signify  the  sway. 

Was  heard  and  seen  and  practiced  every  day.       v 

The  game  was  played  and  heavy  was  the  stake 

Which  both  the  parties  were  inclined  to  take. 

Fortune  is  partial  and  capricious  too. 

And  often  does  what  she  ought  not  to  do ; 

The  ace,  and  knave,  and  the  notorious  King, 

Were  on  one  side  to  fortify  the  ring. 

The  Monarch  had  no  heavy  trumps  or  card, 

In  such  a  play  the  case  was  mighty  hard. 

At  the  result  the  King  was  not  to  blame, 

with  useless  cards  he  could  not  win  the  game ; 

This  sudden  check,  so  unexpected  then. 

Left  him  no  heart  to  try  the  game  again. 

Unbounded  glee  is  sometimes  very  brief. 

And  oft  ejected  by  desponding  grief; 


'  28 

Boast  not  of  bliss,  it  was  not  sent  to  stay, 

A  sudden  change  may  chase  that  bliss  away. 

A  little  cloud  will  dim  the  brighest  star. 

And  years  of  peace  may  terminate  in  war. 

Boast  not,  vain  man,  for  fear  you  would  complain, 

For  one  short  hour  would  prove  your  boast  in  vain  : 

Nor  don't  despair,  nor  let  your  thoughts  decay, 

But  bear  with  patience  what  you  cannot  stay. 

No  station  then,  no  high  or  low  degree, 

From  fortutie's  freaks  cannot  exempted  be. 

When  temptests  howl,  and  hurricanes  do  pass, 

They  sweep  alike  the  lion  and  the  ass. 

The  King,  the  Prince,  and  beggarman  its  true, 

Each  has  a  spring  and  each  a  winter  too. 

When  Henry  heard  of  Strongbow's  great  applause, 

He  thought  it  meet  to  counteract  his  laws. 

He  issued  forth  a  proclamation  for 

To  stop  the  horrors  of  destructive  war. 

Qn  doing  so  he  had  another  aim — 

To  dim  the  lustre  of  his  rising  fame ; 

And  fearing  it  in  course  of  time  would  grow. 

In  gradual  progress  to  a  sovereign  show ; 

He  called  on  all  submissive  to  his  word. 

Then  to  desist  and  to  put  up  his  sword  ; 

Or  who  would  not,  that  this  would  be  his  fate, 

To  suffer  death  aud  forfeit  his  estate. 

When  this  was  read  by  every  Norman  soul. 

Grief  fear  and  panic  agonized  the  whole. 

And  every  robber,  nimble,  light  and  fleet, 

Had  tried  the  action  of  his  springs  and  feet, 

As  if  determined  to  recross  the  main. 

To  get  admittance  to  the  King  again. 

They  feared  and  trembled  at  an  awful  rate. 

Knowing  the  danger  of  their  present  state  ; 

They  knew  the  King  was  willing  to  maintain 

The  words  he  said,  nor  were  they  said  in  vain. 

Sad,  silent,  still,  and  trembling  with  dismay. 

Then  hoisted  sail  without  the  least  delay. 

To  show  allegiance  to  the  stern  King, 

And  yet  one  great  intelligence  to  bring ; 


29 

As  one  was  then  intended  in  the  fleet, 

Fix'd  to  relate  it  at  the  Monarch's  feet ; 

The  Norman  Chiefs  were  willing  to  obey, 

Nor  show  defection  by  a  long  delay. 

One  sought  the  King,  narrated  with  renown. 

The  jewel  added  to  the  Monarch's  crown. 

The  conquests  made  of  that  bewitching  Isle, 

Where  summer  lingers  and  does  early  smile, 

Where  wheat  and  barley,  both  luxurious  grow, 

And  milk  and  honey  in  abundance  flow ; 

The  rays  of  Phoebus  decorate  the  scene. 

And  falling  dews  produce  perpetual  green, 

No  frost  can  nip  or  desolate  the  soil — 

And  warbler's  music  makes  an  easy  toil. 

No  scorching  heat  when  Sol's  meridian  high. 

But  radiant  blushes  purify  the  sky. 

In  limpid  streams  the  trout  and  salmon  play, 

And  modest  pleasures  signalized  the  gay  : 

There  strangers  find  a  hospitable  home, 

And  there  find  shelter  every  hour  they  come. 

Now  Strongbow  grants  it  without  grudge  or  frown, 

The  brightest  jewel  in  your  royal  crown — 

Then  of  my  liege,  'tis  all  that  we  require, 

Is  to  be  exempted  from  your  Royal  ire, 

And  give  us  leave  soon  to  go  back  again, 

To  join  our  bretleren  in  the  next  campaign. 

King  Henry  said,  and  in  an  angry  tone — 

How  can  he  give  what  is  not  yet  his  own  ? 

-We  must  admit,  if  we  admit  the  fact. 

That  the  act  that  passed  was  an  unlawful  act ; 

Therefore  I  say  that  I  will  supersede, 

With  eager  haste  the  act  already  made, 

And  if  my  subjects  will  resist  the  law. 

That  hour's  the  worst  of  all  the  hours  they  saw  ; 

And  if  your  Strongbow  dare  to  disobey. 

He  '11  stake  his  life  for  any  proud  delay. 

Enough  was  said  to  give  a  fatal  blow, 

To  a  rapacious  and  invidious  foe ; 

Enough  was  said,  and  said  with  such  disdain, 

To  check  their  eff'orts  to  recross  the  main. 


80 

When  Strongbow  heard  this  sad  and  withering  tale, 

He  thought  it  prudent  to  prepare  and  sail, 

And  to  avoid  an  ignominious  fate, 

The  sure  the  result  of  that  great  Monarch's  hate. 

Quite  unexpected  when  he  met  the  King, 

His  drearj  winter  wore  the  bloom  of  spring ; 

The  King  then  did  a  due  advantage  take. 

And  gulped  at  once  a  fat  delicious  stake, 

Advised  then  Strongbow  to  pursue  his  course. 

And  he  would  follow  with  a  strenuous  force. 

Alas  !  he  did,  and  brought  some  thousands  more, 

Whilst  time  will  last  the  Irish  will  deplore  ; 

That  was  the  time,  if  the  Irish  were  at  peace, 

To  shear  the  rams  and  to  preserve  the  fleece, 

When  Chieftains  left,  who  were  both  strong  and  bold, 

An  unprotected  and  unguarded  fold  ; 

No  shepherd  then,  was  to  protect  the  flock. 

Or  save  the  breed  to  raise  another  stock. 

Alas  !  the  Irish  did  not  interfere, 

Which  left  them  since  in  bondage  and  despair. 

But  the  day  will  come  when  Normans  will  bemoan, 

And  Godless  tyrants  will  be  paid  their  own. 

King  Henry  landed  with  a  great  display      [1172.] 

Of  warlike  Chieftains  to  commence  the  fray. 

Unless  submission  to  his  royal  state. 

Would  change  the  tenor  of  impending  fate. 

He  added  yet  a  fabricated  lie — 

Which  showed  the  King  was  not  prepared  to  die. 

He  said  as  thus,  with  an  expected  hope. 

He  got  the  kingdom  from  the  reigning  Pope, 

To  moralize  the  people,  and  to  see 

That  holy  laws  should  not  neglected  be, 

That  religion  should  flourish  in  the  state. 

To  cleanse  the  sinner  and  the  reprobate  ; 

And  cause  the  wayward  flexibly  to  yield, 

And  wear  no  mantle  but  a  moral  shield. 

These  words  related  are  the  words  he  said, 

To  me  transmitted  from  the  Pope  that's  dead, 

And  now  confirmed  by  the  present  Pope, 

To  give  the  Bull  an  undisputed  scope. 


31 

What  awful  words  from  an  ungracious  King, 

Who  found  materials  for  the  lying  string. 

0 !  what  an  instrument  in  the  hands  of  grace, 

To  change  the  morals  of  a  wicked  race  ; 

An  impious  King,  a  rash,  rebellious  rake. 

Who  married  a  lady  for  her  fortune's  sake. 

Divorced  by  Louis  from  his  royal  throne. 

For  amorous  tricks  to  which  the  Queen  was  prone ; 

And  then  confined  her,  during  life,  in  jail, 

In  irons  bound,  and  destitute  of  bail ; 

None  dare  release  her  till  presumptuous  death. 

Had  proved  his  charge,  and  stopped  his  vital  breath. 

This  sinful  King,  pretending  fits  and  faints, 

For  venial  specks  within  the  Isle  of  Saints, 

To  avoid  a  straw,  he'd  percolate  the  bowl, 

And  yet  a  camel  he  would  swallow  whole. 

A  lie's  the  dearest  plant  that  ever  grew, 

It  grows  spontaneous  and  luxuriant  too  ; 

A  lie  can't  live  for  any  length  of  time, 

But  whilst  it  does,  its  always  in  its  prime ; 

No  one  will  own  it,  tis  denied  by  men. 

As  being  the  parent  of  atrocious  sin ; 

There  is  no  maid,  though  modest  be  her  cant. 

But  will  assist  to  cultivate  this  plant. 

In  every  age  it  grows,  in  every  clime, 

It  grows  in  prose,  and  also  grows  in  rhyme; 

The  human  race  are  all  conversant  then. 

With  the  plant  that  generates  the  sin  ; 

They  all  detest  it,  in  old  age  and  youth. 

Yet  all  will  plant  it  in  the  place  of  truth : 

There  are  exceptions,  but  they  are  so  rare, 

That  great  excuses  need  not  interfere. 

The  King  himself  did  propagate  a  lie, 

And  why  not  he,  she  propagate,  or  I. 

King  Henry  was  the  basest  of  his  kind. 

To  truth  unknown,  to  mercy  always  blind ; 

No  Pope  did  ever  give  him  such  a  grant. 

He  made  himself  the  vile  audacious  cant. 

As  such  a  lie  he  found  convenient  then. 

To  slake  the  passions  of  the  leading  men  ; 


32 

For  in  them  days  the  Monarch  got  his  crown, 

And  every  thing  pertaining  to  renown 

From  the  Pope,  who,  solemnized  the  grant 

With  holy  hymns  his  Holiness  would  chant ; 

And  none  then  found  so  impious  or  so  rude, 

Upon  the  grant  to  afterwards  intrude. 

And  such  considered  as  a  sacred  gift. 

No  King  or  Monarch  had  the  faith  to  shift : 

For  all  the  Christians  of  the  human  race, 

Were  then  protected  by  his  holy  grace  ; 

One  flock,  one  fold,  one  shepherd  did  for  all, 

And  were  submissive  to  the  Pontiff's  call; 

New  dreams,  new  freaks,  or  new  reviving  grace, 

Were  then  unknown  to  all  the  Christian  race. 

The  clergy  came,  to  read  King  Henry's  brief; 

Some  in  anger,  and  some,  indeed,  in  grief. 

Some  Divines  had  read  the  brief  in  full, 

And  thought  it  then  to  be  a  spurious  Bull ; 

They  all  assembled  at  the  royal  call. 

In  the  old  far-famed  legislation  hall. 

Where  Kings  assembled  with  a  royal  grace 

Before  King  Harry,  of  a  spurious  race. 

Still,  nothing  done,  intention  did  declare 

The  laws  were  vain  that  were  enacted  there, 

As  being  uncertain  'bout  the  Pontiff's  Bull, 

Some  agreed,  but  not  agreed  in  full. 

Then  Henry,  by  a  vile,  presumptuous  scheme, 

From  tacit  acts  had  got  a  formal  claim, 

On  a  large  share  of  that  ill-fated  Isle, 

Where  flowers  flourish  and  where  lilies  smile, 

Where  gentle  dews  produce  a  sudden  green. 

And  blushing  daisies  dignify  the  scene. 

Henry  sailed  with  his  adventurous  crew, 

AVhen  winds  propitious  in  his  favor  blew ; 

He  tarried  not,  for  some  anterior  cause, 

And  left  unsettled  all  intended  laws. 

The  cause  had  wrestled  with  his  conscience  then,    * 

Despite  of  pleasure  yet  it  lurked  within ; 

An  undigested  lump  of  murderous*  hue. 

Concealed,  consuming,  and  tormenting  too  ; 

*  Henry  being  suspected  to  be  accessory  to  the  muider  of 


33 

No  ease  could  get  from  that  devouring  sore, 
The  more  he  tried,  it  had  devoured  the  more. 
A  guilty  conscience  will  defile  the  breast, 
Destroy  our  peace,  and  dissipate  our  rest. 
And  so  the  King,  to  get  some  safe  relief, 
Had  sailed  to  France,  to  mitigate  his  grief. 
With  conscience  steeled,  he  did  himself  prepare, 
And  face  to  face  he  met  the  legates  there. 
That  was  the  hour  he  felt  the  chastening  rod, 
And  feared  the  vengeance  of  an  angry  God ; 
And  there  he  stood,  yet  waiting  for  his  time 
To  make  atonement  for  a  guilty  crime, — 
If  not  committed  by  himself,  indeed, 
'Twas  he  suggested  the  atrocious  deed. 
The  legates  thought  that  it  had  been  the  fact. 
That  he  excited  the  unholy  act ; 
Though  all  his  friends  were  there  to  interpose. 
And  give  their  aid  to  dissipate  his  woes, 
And  yet  he  trembled,  fearful  of  his  doom, 
He  knew  his  web  was  in  an  iron  loom  ; 
And  holy  men,  without  a  shield  or  sword. 
But  fledged  in  full  with  the  Almighty's  word ; 
Two  men  appointed  guardians  of  the  soul. 
Had  marred  the  King,  and  terrified  the  whole. 
Therefore,  it  shows  all  efi'orts  will  decline 
When  they're  resisted  by  a  power  divine  ; 
All  human  strength  consolidated  still 
Is  no  resistance  to  his  holy  will. 
The  King  arraigned  before  the  legates  then, 
The  friends  of  justice  and  the  foes  of  sin. 
He  spoke  indeed  with  innocence  and  ease, 
And  with  expressions  much  inclined  to  please 
The  cunning  craft  that  was  his  guard  and  guide, 
Before  the  legates  he  was  forced  to  hide. 
Although  determined  giant-like  and  huge, 
He  had  no  room  to  use  a  subterfuge. 
The  crime  explained — the  accusation  laid. 
And  no  man  there  on  either  side  to  plead, 

St.  Thomas  a  Becket,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  went  to  France 
to  meet  the  legates,  and  reconcile  his  conscience. 


34 

The  King's  smooth  words  to  mitigate  his  crime, 

Made  great  impressions  in  a  little  time. 

He  did  acknowledge  and  declare  to  them, 

The  saint  was  murdered,  but,  unknown  to  him : 

When  it  he  heard,  it  made  his  heart  to  faint, 

The  fatal  end  of  the  lamented  saint. 

No  thought,  no  aid,  or  no  suggestion  gave 

To  help  the  saint  to  an  untimely  grave. 

And  he  was  clear,  according  to  his  creed, 

Of  that  unholy  and  atrocious  deed. 

No  lurking  guilt  from  it  annoyed  his  rest, 

Or  found  a  place  within  his  candid  breast. 

To  this  effect  he  made  a  solemn  oath, 

Before  the  audience  and  the  legates  both. 

Enough  was  said,  where  was  the  man  to  cry — 

My  liege  and  monarch  tells  a  glaring  lie. 

The  legates  then  upon  the  very  place. 

Absolved  the  King,  and  him  restored  to  grace. 

During  the  time  that  Henry  was  in  France, 

Some  of  the  Irish  seized  on  every  chance. 

And  showed  repugnance,  and  a  hatred  too, 

To  a  ferocious  and  rapacious  crew. 

The  Irish  thought  the  foes  to  extirpate, 

By  sudden  sallies  of  revengeful  hate  ; 

And  in  the  strife  it  often  came  to  pass 

That  they  repulsed  them  with  a  serious  loss. 

The  King  had  then  some  other  things  to  do 

Besides  abetting  the  invidious  crew. 

His  sons  with  ire  in  great  rebellion  rose. 

As  he  well  knew,  were  his  vindictive  foes. 

And  this  commotion  caused  the  King  to  stay, 

There  to  support  his  dignity  and  sway. 

For  his  own  sons  excited  then  had  been. 

By  a  bad  mother  and  a  jealous  Queen, 

Who  urged  them  on,  the  Father's  strength  to  try, 

Which  gave  the  King  another  fish  to  fry. 

King  Henry  left  the  sweet  Hibernian  shore, 

Without  augmenting  what  he  had  before ; 

And  not  one  dime  was  added  to  the  pelf 

Of  former  plunder  by  the  King  himself. 


35 

Indeed,  an  outward  ostentatious  show, 

And  the  submission  of  a  valiant  foe, 

Were  all  he  asked ;  and  that  he  knew  would  fail, 

As  such  pretensions  made  a  flimsy  bail. 

He  left  a  chief  to  rule  and  regulate, 

With  mild  exertions,  any  fierce  debate  ; 

And  that  he  did  by  a  judicious  right, 

As  far  superior  to  repulsive  might. 

His  prudent  care,  and  comprehensive  view, 

Had  pleased  the  many,  and  displeased  the  few ; 

Admired,  respected,  and  beloved  by  all. 

Made  them  attentive  to  the  ruler's  call. 

The  dreadful  vengeance  and  invidious  ire 

Had  then  abated,  or  did  all  expire  ; 

By  cautious  care  and  justice  at  his  side. 

He  stem'd  the  storm  and  rebellious  tide. 

For  honest  laws,  with  moderation's  glow, 

Will  help  a  friend  and  discomfit  a  foe  ; 

And  so  continued  the  created  joy. 

With  the  admixture  of  a  base  alloy. 

In  wedlock  bands  the  Monarch*  gave  the  chief, f — 

Which  had  then  caused  unmitigated  grief, — 

His  beauteous  daughter  then  to  be  his  wife, 

In  hopes  this  step  would  terminate  the  strife. 

Though  strange  to  see  the  daughter  of  a  King, 

In  all  the  beauty  of  unfaded  spring. 

To  him  united  in  her  native  place, 

A  sub  inferior  of  the  Norman  race. 

Though  good  the  man,  though  great  be  his  renown, 

Yet  she  was  worthy  of  a  King  and  crown ; 

But  every  thing  must  be  considered  right 

That  is  produced  or  brought  about  by  might* 

This  late  connection  and  his  great  applause, 

Excited  Henry  to  predict  the  cause. 

And  fearing  that  in  time  'twould  interfere 

With  all  his  interest  that  existed  there. 

The  applause  then  wafted  on  the  wings  of  fame. 

Kindled  a  furnace  and  a  raging  flame 

*  Roderick  O'Connor,     f  De  Lacy,  Lord  Lieut,  of  Ireland, 


^6 

Within  his  breast,  which  made  him  call  at  once, 

The  brave  De  Lacy  to  assist  in  France, 

And  then  ascended,  the  unholy  foe. 

That  strove  all  happiness  to  overthrow, 

Their  former  foe,  decidedly  the  worst  '  ^t 

Of  all  the  beings  God  had  ever  cursed. 

Strongbow  reigned,  which  was  a  source  of  grief, 

A  sub,  inferior,  second-handed  Chief, 

He  ruled  the  Irish  with  an  iron  rod. 

And  their  best  actions  he  pronounced  them  bad. 

His  stay  was  brief  the  King  of  Terror's  dart. 

Transpierced  the  demon  through  the  very  heart, 

Resistless  fell,  relentless  was  his  fall,  ■  - 

Then  blessed  by  none,  but  mostly  cursed  by  all.   '  ^ 

Henry  II. 's  penance  before  his  death,  to  make 
restitution  for  his  former  transgressions,  his  mind 
being  agitated  by  the  treacherous-  combination  of 
his  sons  and  enemies,  which  brought  on  a  fever 
that  terminated  his  existence. 

The  sad  afflictions  and  unnumbered  woes, 

And  the  attack  of  unsuspected  foes,  [*^ 

Deranged  the  King,  and  did  effect  a  change. 

So  great,  so  sudden,  and  amazing  strange, 

He  thought  some  act  apart  from  nature's  laws. 

For  such  afflictions  must  have  been  the  cause,       '  * 

As  sacred  acts  admit  of  no  delay. 

But  sweep  resistless  human  strength  away. 

Then  to  atone  and  restitution  make. 

For  frantic  words  and  for  devotion's  sake, 

A  lowly  penitent,  without  a  shoe. 

To  ease  his  journey,  or  a  stocking  too. 

In  pensive  mood  he  sought  the  sacred  shrine. 

Where  mouldering  lay  the  saint  and  the  divine. 

Before  his  shrine,  without  a  royal  sheen. 

On  bended  knees,  the  penitent  was  seen  ; 

And  Henry,  in  a  penitential  mood. 

Refused  to  drink,  or  partake  of  food. 

And  then,  in  a  humiliating  tone. 

In  solemn  silence,  he  remained  alone  ; 


37 

Alone,  unknown,  he  felt  the  chastening  rod, 

And  fear'd  the  ire  of  an  insulted  God. 

Altho'  a  King,  a  tyrant  and  a  judge. 

He  meekly  humbled,  without  strife  or  grudge. 

To  the  King  of  Kings :  who  did  without  delay. 

Make  Heaven  and  earth,  and  light  the  milky  way. 

The  King  of  men  had  to  resign  his  breath, 

In  due  submission  to  the  stroke  of  death.     [1179.] 

The  Character  of  Dermott  M^Murrough    0^ Kavanagh, 
King  of  Leinster. 

Mac  Murrough  died,  afflicted  and  afraid, 
A  wretch,  deserted,  hated  and  decay'd, 
No  friend  was  by,  to  cheer  the  parting  ray. 
That  seem'd  prepared. to  take  its  flight  away  ; 
No  priest  was  there,  to  dissipate  his  gloom, 
Or,  to  remind  him  of  his  awful  doom. 
Impenitent  he  lived,  impenitent  he  died, 
And  during  life,  the  wicked  villain  lied. 
His  vile  intrigues  the  sovereign  Lord  defied ; 
And  as  he  lived  the  demon  surely  died. 

The  Character  of  O'Roarh,  Prince  of  Brefny. 

O'Roark,  the  brave,  the  injured  chief  and  Prince, 
A  warlike  chieftain  and  a  brave  defence. 
Repulsed,  defeated  all  his  Norman  foes, 
With  might  unmatched,  and  w^ith  resistless  blows. 
Defeated  them  in  every  dreadful  fray. 
With  matchless  courage  and  unbounded  sway, 
De  Lacy  begged  of-  him  to  hesitate. 
And  courteous  words  the  strife  would  regulate. 
As  both  apart  to  mediate  withdrew,* 
From  hostile  bands,  and  an  insidious  crew, 
Seven  bold  knights  had  followed  to  the  place. 
Unknown,  unseen,  and  of  the  Norman  race. 
Ah !  then  there  fell,  and  in  his  own  defence, 
A  valiant  hero  and  a  daring  Prince. 
*  To  Tara's  hill. 
4 


88 


The   Character   of  Roderick    O' Conner ^    Monarch    of 
Ireland. 

This  monarcliwas  irresolute  and  weak, 

Pious,  punctual,  penitent  and  meek  ; 

He'd  give  the  flock,  together  with  the  fleece, 

At  any  time  that  he  could  purchase  peace  ;  i* 

A  timid  King,  unfit  to  reign  at  all,  ^ 

Would  sit  inactive  in  his  royal  hall  ; 

When  daring  foes  had  threatened  his  repose, 

He  wanted  courage  to  attack  his  foes ; 

No  fire  had  he  to  discomfit  a  fiend, 

That  would  attempt  to  discommode  a  friend  ; 

And  wanting  this,  he  managed  well  to  cease, 

And  end  his  days  in  penitence  and  peace. 

Richard  the  First  ascended  the  Throne  in  1179. 

King  Richard  soon  ascended  England's  throne. 

To  save  the  crop  that  was  already  sown. 

To  other  parts  he  did  his  course  pursue. 

As  in  those  parts  he  had  enough  to  do. 

His  reign  was  brief;  did  nothing  more  or  less, 

Than  cool  the  furnace  of  his  own  distress. 

His  mother  first,  he  did  redeem  from  jail, 

As  there  she  lay  confined  for  want  of  bail. 

For  giving  Rosamond  the  poisoned  cup. 

And  with  a  dagger  made  her  drink  it  up; 

A  silken  clew  directed  where  she  lay. 

The  jealous  Queen  was  glad  to  find  the  way. 

The  golden  cup  with  all  its  mortal  taste. 

She  made  her  drink  in  such  exceeding  haste ; 

Then  soon  she  fell,  according  to  design, 

A  beauteous  victim  on  a  jealous  shrine. 

For  this  dire  act,  the  King  did  her  assail. 

And  put  the  Queen,  then,  during  life  in  jail. 

Rosamond  was  the  fairest  of  the  fair, 

Henry's  love,  and  his  assiduous  care  ; 

In  spite  of  care  and  all  that  art  could  try, 

A  jealous  rage  had  fated  her  to  die. 


39 

During  his  reign,  he  did  not  interfere, 
No  doubt  precluded  by  some  other  care ; 
But  left  the  Irish  to  abide  their  fate, 
From  robbing  rebels  in  a  lawless  state. 
The  die  was  cast,  and  he  was  forced  to  die — 
And  wings  immortal  bore  him  up  on  hgih. 

King  John  was  immediately  Crovoned  after  his  death. 

King  John  was  crowned  with  pomp  and  ecstacy  ; 

No  cloud  appeared  to  desolate  the  glee ; — 

One  thing  occurred  and  happened  in  his  reign, 

So  good,  so  pleasing,  and  so  void  of  stain  ; 

'Twas  wrung  from  him,  and  so  substantial  made, 

By  all  the  clergy  then  in  Runneymede — 

Assisted  strongly  by  the  Barons,  too, 

In  power  were  great,  in  number  not  a  few — 

The  sure  protection  to  the  good  and  free, 

The  shield  and  charter  of  their  liberty  ; 

The  noble  charter  and  protecting  act, 

Did  there  establish  an  important  fact. 

That  every  man,  by  its  judicious  use, 

Could  be  protected  from  a  vile  abuse ; 

Before  the  Peers  and  in  his  native  place, 

Were  then  adjudged  the  merits  of  his  case ; 

If  guiltless,  not  without  another  clew — 

He  was  acquitted  and  with  honor,  too  ; 

If  otherwise,  he  got  his  own  reward, 

As  guilty  actions  need  a  guilty  card. 

Before  this  act,  a  tyrant  made  the  law, 

From  his  enactments  you  could  not  withdraw. 

The  King  went  round  to  regulate  and  see, 

Before  this  act  of  much  celebrity, 

His  jurisprudence  had  released  or  not  : 

But  he,  pure  justice  half  the  time  forgot. 

The  villains  unrestrained  had  been  by  law, 

And  their  defections  seemed  without  a  flaw ; 

But  a  decree  exacted  by  the  state. 

For  any  good,  can  never  come  too  late — 

Came  in  good  time  to  dissipate  the  mist. 

That  hid  these  villains  from  the  shaving  list. 


40 

But  this  decree  and  legislative  act, 

Was  first  established,  is  a  noted  fact, 

In  Erin's  Isle,  when  justice  had  her  way, 

And  then  transplanted  with  unbounded  sway, 

By  that  great  King  of  universal  fame. 

The  great,  the  good,  and  Alfred  was  his  name  ; 

But  at  his  death  this  act  did  seem  to  fade, 

Until  renewed  again  in  Runneymede. 

As  Philip  then  had  been  the  King  of  France, 

By  birth  had  been,  and  not  indeed  by  chance, 

The  English  said  that  he  was  much  to  blame. 

By  acts  disgraceful  to  a  royal  name  ; 

He  was  no  friend,  but  an  undoubted  foe, 

That  seem'd  determined  them  to  overthrow. 

And  mar  the  actions  of  the  English  King, 

With  schemes  arising  from  a  baneful  spring. 

When  Philip  heard  of  this  audacious  theme. 

No  reason  could  obliterate  the  flame, 

That  had  been  kindled  in  his  royal  breast. 

For  words  so  guileful,  which  he  did  detest. 

He  then  determined,  for  the  great  offence, 

To  show  some  action  in  his  own  defence. 

He  sent  a  herald  of  stupendous  might. 

Without  delay,  across  the  sea  to  fight, 

His  spear  and  shield  were  dreadful  to  behold  ; 

Himself  a  giant,  terrific  and  bold  : 

Who  issued  forth  a  proclamation  then, 

To  Knights,  to  Chieftains,  and  to  daring  men. 

If  in  the  whole  an  Englishman  be  found, 

To  come  provided  to  the  hostile  ground. 

With  might  directed  to  his  overthrow, 

He'll  find  his  match  and  a  decisive  foe ; 

But,  ere  he  comes,  now  be  it  known  to  all, 

It  is  decreed,  the  Chief  will  surely  fall ; 

Beneath  my  sword,  the  bleeding  victim  dies, 

For  your  insulting  and  audacious  lies. 

This  announcement  made  them  all  to  quake  ; 

And  none  was  found  that  would  attempt  to  speak. 

They  wanted  time  to  meditate  and  muse, 

Whether  to  accept,  or  whether  to  refuse. 


41 

The  fame  of  this  tremendous  bully,  then, 
Terrified  their  giants,  and  dismayed  their  men  ; 
And  none  in  England  would  withstand  a  blow, 
From  this  magnanimous  and  gigantic  foe. 
"  The  King  seemed  vexed,  and  he  could  find  no  chief 
To  fight  the  foe  and  mitigate  his  grief; 
Enquired  of  all,  "  Could  there  a  man  be  found, 
To  face  this  herald  on  the  hostile  ground?" 
No  answer  made,  they  all  appeared  as  mute, 
As  none  was  there  to  end  the  dire  dispute. 
After  a  pause,  a  man  did  then  reply 
Among  the  crowd,  the  King  was  standing  by, 
"  There  is  a  Chief  of  a  stupendous  size 
That  lies  in  jail,  will  surely  win  the  prize  ; 
An  Irish  Chief  and  prisoner  of  state. 
Go  call  him  hence  and  open  wide  the  gate, 
With  might  unmatched,  and  one  directed  blow, 
He'll  be  the  death  of  your  tormenting  foe. 
Lose  no  time,  I  am  sure  he  will  obey. 
You'll  ruin  your  credit  by  a  long  delay." 
The  King  exclaimed,  "  Now  let  the  Chief  appear, 
And  we'll  provide  him  with  a  sword  and  spear : 
If  he  the  French  Goliah  will  defeat. 
We  will  present  him  with  a  rich  estate." 
The  herald  came,  and  wonderful  in  size. 
And  heard  the  errand  without  much  surprise  ; 
He  told  the  King  he  would  withstand  the  blow, 
And  was  quite  certain  he'd  defeat  the  foe  ; 
"  Tell  him,"  said  he,  "that  I  will  face  to  face. 
Decide  the  combat  to  his  own  disgrace  ; 
And  also  tell  him,  money  he  must  take, 
To  pay  his  ferriage  'cross  the  Stygian  Lake ; 
Or  if  he  wish  to  steer  the  other  way. 
On  bended  knees  let  him  devoutly  pray. 
I  know  the  Isle  that  gave  me  life  and  birth, 
The  brightest  gem  of  all  the  isles  on  earth, 
Will  say  I  fell  by  some  unlucky  chance. 
Not  by  the  Giant  they  have  sent  from  France. 
If  I  do  fall,  it  must  be  so  decreed. 
That  in  the  ring  an  Irishman  shall  bleed  :^ 
4* 


But  mark  my  words,  that  in  the  awful  strife, 

This  boasting  herald  must  resign  his  life  ; 

On  blustering  threats  I  look  with  great  contempt, 

His  life  he'll  forfeit  in  the  bold  attempt." 

The  King  then  said,  '*  Go  tell  him  of  his  fate, 

Or  his  repentance  will  appear  too  late. 

Say  you  as  thus,  don't  hesitate  at  all. 

For  in  the  combat  you're  decreed  to  fall ; 

A  Chief  we  have  that  could  with  ease  destroy 

The  mighty  Hector  that  defended  Troy  ; 

He  threatens  hard,  he  fears  no  human  shade, 

And  he'll  dissect  you  with  his  steely  blade  ^ 

It's  made  of  that,  encounter  if  you  dare, 

A  sad  defeat  is  all  will  be  your  share ; 

Therefore  be  sure,  you  must  resign  to  fate, 

A  final  forfeit  in  the  dire  debate." 

The  day  arrived,  and  thousands  did  resort, 

To  see  and  witness  the  inhuman  sport ; 

The  Irish  Chief,  there  towering  o'er  the  rest, 

Without  a  shield  there  to  adorn  his  breast, 

Just  like  an  oak,  that  overtops  the  wood. 

The  valiant  Chief  in  sullen  silence  stood ; 

A  sword  suspended  to  the  Chieftain's  side, 

Whose  blade  was  sheathed  in  a  lion's  hide, 

He  looked  ferocious,  with  a  heavy  brow. 

And  cried  aloud,  "  Where  is  your  champion  now  ? 

I  am  prepared  to  meet  the  boasting  foe. 

And  cleave  in  two,  with  one  descending  blow, 

That  roaring  lion  of  tremendous  fame. 

Who  is  no  Chief,  but  only  Chief  by  name; 

Let  him  appear  and  all  advantage  take, 

He  '11  stake  his  life  for  any  slight  mistake." 

A  herald  cried  "  the  Chief  won't  interfere. 

He  'd  find  it  hard  to  gain  admittance  there. 

Within  that  ring  a  victim  he  should  fall. 

Then  it  is  better  he  should  never  call ; 

It  was  more  prudent  to  prepare  and  go. 

Than  meet  with  death  from  an  unequal  foe." 

The  King  rejoiced  to  hear  such  words  expressed. 

And  then  his  herald  in  these  words  addressed — 


43 

"  Now  godlike  Ajax  of  those  modern  days, 
You  highly  merit  and  deserve  our  praise : 
As  the  champion  fled  and  ventured  not  to  fight, 
Show  us  some  sign  of  your  stupendous  might ; 
Here  is  a  post,  we  placed  it  here  at  will, 
And  placed  thereon  a  helmet  made  of  steel ; 
Oft  fifty  men  had  sat  beneath  its  shade, 
We  left  the  limbs,  but  here  the  trunk  is  laid, 
Try  what  impression  will  one  single  blow 
Make  on  the  helmet  ere  these  Chiefs  will  go ; 
We  have  no  doubt,  but  wish  to  see  at  length. 
Some  signal  sign  of  your  stupendous  strength." 
The  Irish  Chieftain  drew  his  Irish  blade, 
When  e'er  the  King  had  his  oration  made ; 
He  grasped  it  hard  and  raised  it  high  in  air. 
As  if  determined  then  to  wield  it  fair, 
And  with  the  force  of  one  descending  blow. 
He  cut  the  helmet  made  of  steel  in  two; 
With  the  second  blow  the  shining  blade  he  sunk 
Into  the  post,  or  in  the  wooden  trunk. 
That  seven  stout  men  could  not  exonerate 
The  beaming  blade  from  its  deep  buried  state, 
Until  the  Chief  himself  released  it  with  a  pull, 
And  that  display  had  satisfied  the  whole. 
The  King  had  soon  like  other  Kings  to  go, 
And  fly  this  vale  of  misery  and  wo. 

Henry  Third  Ascended, 

In  Henry's  reign  the  Irish  then  were  found 
In  every  battle  to  be  gaining  ground, 
And  gaining  all  in  former  battles  lost, 
With  little  strife,  and  very  little  cost. 
When  he  had  died  as  other  Kings  likewise, 
Immortal  wings,  his  spirit  through  the  skies 
Had  wafted  hence,  to  a  celestial  sphere. 
If  here  well  acted,  he  fares  the  better  there. 


44 

JEdward  the  First  came  to  the  Tlirone  in  the  year 

1272. 

In  Edward's  reign  it  was  the  enacted  law, 
Which  they  considered  without  stain  or  flaw, 
That  if  a  man  who  lived  within  the  pale,* 
And  always  covered  with  a  coat  of  mail. 
Could  kill  a  man  of  Irish  race  or  blood, 
The  deed  was  strenuous,  and  considered  good ; 
Or  if  a  villain  did  insult  a  maid, 
And  stain  her  virtue,  if  alone  she  strayed ; 
Then  Edward's  laws  protected  the  foul  fiend, 
And  him  considered  an  unerring  friend ; 
And  other  acts  too  dreadful  to  relate, 
The  greatest  savage  would  abominate. 
An  awful  vengeance  would  the  fiend  pursue. 
To  take  his  life,  as  nothing  else  would  do. 
In  Edward's  reign,  a  Scottish  Chief  arose. 
Who  proved  a  scourge  to  all  his  English  foes. 
Who  with  his  claymore,  made  of  polished  steel, 
Could  cleave  the  stoutest  to  the  very  heal ; 
Caledonia's  son,  the  bravest  of  the  brave, 
A  noble  Chief  that  had  a  soul  to  save. 
Repulsed,  defeated,  with  a  little  aid. 
Bold  Edward's  troops  and  all  his  grand  parade  ; 
No  Chief  had  he  could  be  but  as  a  fly, 
When  daring  Wallace  was  convenient  by. 
'Twas  gold  and  bribes,  and  a  deceitful  friend, 
Brought  famous  Wallace  to  a  fatal  end ; 
He  was  the  bravest  in  his  time  and  place. 
Of  all  the  Chieftains  of  the  Christian  race. 
Nor  could  proud  Edward  ever  overthrow 
The  worthy  Wallace,  his  undaunted  foe. 
A  friend  and  foe  that  did  the  Chief  subdue, 
0  !  what  a  purse  he  did  receive  in  lieu. 
Another  act  that  adds  to  his  disgrace. 
And  throws  a  blemish  on  the  Christian  race  ; 
The  ancient  Kingdom  by  the  name  of  Wales, 
Had  been  subdued  by  England's  fiery  flails ; 

*  English  jurisdiction,  or  boundary. 


45 

Llewellyn  fell  from  well  directed  blows, 

To  rise  no  more  to  aggravate  his  foes. 

His  Chiefs  were  scattered  or  destroyed  by  Ned, 

No  Chiefs  were  there,  for  all  the  Chiefs  were  dead. 

No  Bard  was  left  to  animate  in  rhyme, 

The  coming  heroes  of  a  future  time. 

No  Bard  was  left  then  to  commemorate, 

But  Edward  butchered^  and  consigned  to  fate ; 

And  all  historians  of  the  present  race, 

Could  not  debauch  or  aggravate  the  case. 

Edward  went  to  Caledonia  straight, 

With  spleen  created  and  unbounded  hate, 

A  captive  made  the  Monarch,  Chief  and  King, 

And  other  nobles  then  did  captive  bring ; 

Some  confined,  who  fell  within  his  power, 

In  a  dark,  loathsome,  solitary  tower. 

The  King  and  others  he  detained  for  sport. 

Within  the  limits  of  his  costly  court; 

Caledonia  stripped  of  every  Bard  and  Chief, 

And  left  the  rest  in  misery  and  grief; 

He  brought  from  hence  the  stone  of  destiny, 

On  which  were  crowned,  when  Irishmen  were  free, 

The  Irish  Kings,  and  this  inscription  bore. 

When  Princely  Feargus  had  it  taken  o'er. 

From  the  Isle  of  Saints,  when  he  went  o'er  to  reign, 

But  back,  alas  !  it  ne'er  returned  again  : 

"  Fate's  deceived  and  Heaven  decrees  in  vain. 

Or  where  they  find  this  stone  the  Scots  shall  reign.** 

These  lines  in  Irish  were  on  it  engraved,  • 

And  in  Westminster  ever  since  is  saved ; 

Now,  that  broad  stone,  with  these  sweet  words  is 

blest. 
That  Edward  brought  a  captive  with  the  rest. 
When  Wallace  fell,  then  Bruce  came  on  the  stage, 
A  daring  hero  and  a  noted  sage ; 
With  valiant  clans,  and  Highland  Chiefs  at  hand, 
Defeated  Edward  and  his  daring  band. 
Just  as  a  hawk  a  flock  of  sparrows  fright, 
Which  find  a  refuge  in  a  sudden  flight. 


4G 

Bruce  the  brave,  with  Highland  Chiefs  could  boast, 
Of  chasing  Edward  and  his  mighty  host. 
Proud  Edward  fled,  when  fortune  proved  unkind, 
Unlike  Lot's  wife,  he  did  not  look  behind  ; 
In  flying  from  Bruce  he  did  not  wish  to  halt, 
As  living  bodies  will  require  no  salt. 
The  Irish  then  invited  Bruce  to  reign, 
And 'they  as  subjects  would  his  laws  maintain. 
As  Bruce  determined  on  the  overthrow 
Of  an  invidious  and  perfidious  fae, 
He  then  concluded  that  he  would  obey, 
The  voice  of  friendship  without  much  delay. 
Accordingly  he  called  his  Highland  clans. 
Who  seemed  obedient  to  his  views  and  plans ; 
Then  sent  his  brother  with  six  thousand  men 
And  each  to  each,  was  very  near  akin. 
To  that  fair  Isle,*  where  Flora  can't  repose. 
But  adding  beauties  to  the  blooming  rose. 
For  this  intrusion  'gainst  outrageous  Ned, 
His  awful  cries  would  terrify  the  dead. 
The  Scots  and  Irish  soon  together  met, 
And  for  their  meeting  there  was  no  regret. 
The  conjunction  made  a  very  great  display. 
Of  warlike  heroes  of  unbounded  sway. 
But  when  they  met  and  made  this  fair  compound,- 
Soon  Edward's  men  were  seen  upon  the  ground.    ' 
The  Scottish  Edward  brought  but  little  force ; 
The  men  were  brave,  and  very  good  of  course. 
They,  wrth  the  Irish,  in  the  hostile  field. 
Had  thrash'd  their  foes,  and  made  their  foes  to  yield. 
For  three  successive  years,  the  direful  rage- 
Marked  by  historians  on  historic  page — 
Continued  on,  depopulating  still ; 
The  commission  was,  depopulate  and  kill ; 
Till  Edwardf  fell,  in  a  decisive  fray. 
Deceptions  fate  had  fated  it  that  day. 
Though  EdwardJ  claimed  a  victory,  no  doubt. 
In  ghastly  heaps  his  men  were  lying  about. 

*  Ireland,   f  Edward  Bruce.    J  Edward,  King  of  England. 


47 

In  previous  battles,  Bruce  victorious  led; 
AiTd  all  his  army  acted  as  he  said; 
In  every  battle  he  defeated,  too, 
Until  the  last,  which  bore  another  hue, 
Wherein  he  fell  a  victim  to  the  plan, 
And  active  efforts  of  a  single  man, 
Who  forced  his  way  with  a  prodigious  knife, 
Or  something  else,  with  which  he  took  his  life ; 
No  sooner  did,  than  he  received  his  brief, 
Which  stretched  him  lifeless  by  the  dying  chief; 
lie  bit  the  ground  in  a  spasmodic  state. 
The  full  reward  of  his  infernal  hate. 
Though  this  affliction  caused  a  sad  defeat, 
They  could  not  brag,  the  very  side  that  beat. 
This  occurred  in  second  Edward's  reign. 
Whose  guilty  passions  had  destroyed  his  brain  ; 
But  death  had  called,  and  all  his  cares  redrest. 
His  labors  ceased,  and  he  withdrew  to  rest. 

Edward  the  Third's  Reign. 

In  Edward's  reign,  the  worst  of  laws  were  made. 
And  all  digested  by  his  royal  aid — 
No  Englishman,  let  him  be  course  or  fine. 
Could  wed  a  Lady  of  a  Regal  line. 
If  she  were  Irish,  or  of  Irish  blood, 
So  the  law  read,  and  so  he  understood, 
Unless  his  doom  he'd  wish  to  antedate, 
From  acts  arising  from  infernal  hate  ; 
Or  if  he  would  assume  an  Irish  name, 
He  then  was  branded  with  eternal  shame ; 
His  lands  he'd  forfeit  for  this  simple  crime, 
Nor  could  he  get  them  in  the  course  of  time. 
If  he  adopted  a  Hibernian  dress, 
Eor  such  a  crime  he  got  the  same  redress  ; 
Or  if  by  chance  he  spoke  an  Irish  phrase. 
Condemned  and  banished  was  he  all  his  days  ; 
Or  if  a  Liegeman  entertained  a  Bard, 
For  such  an  act,  the  crime  was  very  hard,  ^ 

I 


48 

Death  was  his  share,  and  that's  the  prize  he'd  draw, 

If  he  submitted  to  the  Brehon  law.* 

Yet,  and  withal,  in  spite  of  Edward's  nose, 

The  Irish  still  were  his  immortal  foes ; 

And  any  act  that  he  could  legislate, 

They  would  break  through,  and  would  not  hesitate. 

That  Edward  reigned,  all  honest  men  deplore, 

Whose  direful  acts  made  good  the  acts  before. 

So  vile,  so  hateful,  and  so  cruel  were. 

And  all  digested  with  assiduous  care. 

The  law  declared  an  Englishman  may  take, 

A  native  up  for  self-protection's  sake ; 

If  he  had  been  unwilling  then  to  go, 

To  shoot  him  down  the  same  as  any  crow; 

Or  if  together,  there  had  been  a  score, 

No  matter  made  the  number,  less  or  more. 

Going  to  either  fair  or  market  then. 

They  were  declared  to  be  seditious  men, 

EuU  of  spleen  and  vile,  undying  hate, 

Combined  together  to  destroy  the  state ; 

Unless  a  Liegeman  were  detected  there, 

And  well  distinguished  by  his  clothes  and  hair. 

Or  some  external  mark  that  would  display. 

They  were  entitled  to  pursue  their  way  ; 

All  fell  victims  to  a  superior  force, 

For  that  one  simple,  inoffensive  course. 

When  swinish  butchers  had  defeated  them. 

Their  heads  they  carried  to  the  town  of  Trim, 

And  them  affixed  on  elevated  stakes. 

As  merry  pranks,  or  some  facetious  freaks, 

Directed  them  to  consecrate  the  day. 

In  this  unholy  and  unrighteous  way  ; 

For  this  abhorent  act,  they  showed  no  cause, 

But  thought  it  good,  as  sanctioned  by  the  laws. 

The  fatal  acts  decreed  the  fatal  fall. 

They  lived,  they  cherished,  and  obeyed  them  all. 

For  Irish  heads  they  found  a  ready  sale. 

Within  the  limits  of  the  little  Pale ; 

*  An  Irish  law. 


49 

A  heavy  tax  was  levied  on  the  state, 
To  pay  these  villains  at  the  dearest  rate  ; 
But  all  in  vain,  the  butcher  in  the  strife, 
Was  almost  certain  to  resign  his  life. 
And  when  he  went  his  neighbor's  head  to  find, 
He  very  oft  had  left  his  own  behind. 
Such  odious  laws  devoid  of  luck  or  grace, 
Impelled  to  action,  all  the  Irish  race. 

Riehard  the  Second's  Reign.     1377. 

During  the  reign  of  this  potentate  too, 
Appeared  some  stripes  of  an  infernal  hue  ; 
He  did  not  seem  more  lenient  than  the  rest, 
By  bitter  feelings  that  convulsed  his  breast ; 
If  the  Irish  did,  at  any  time  at  all, 
Combine  together,  every  One  and  all. 
They'd  slay  the  monsters  long  enough  before. 
Or  drive  them  homeward  from  the  Irish  shore. 
But  this  strong  union  was  too  long  delayed, 
Till  all  their  strength  and  energy  decayed, 
Just  like  a  sinner  in  a  sinful  state. 
Who  finds  repentance  sometimes  rather  late. 
If  the  Irish  sought  their  vindication,  when 
The  robbing  demons  in  the  shape  of  men, 
Had  landed  first,  as  to  contaminate 
All  virtuous  actions  in  that  ancient  state, 
They  would  be  free  and  terminate  the  war, 
Instead  of  being  in  bondage  as  they  are. 
The  Irish  then,  disliked  King  Richard's  laws. 
As  being  defective  in  effect  and  cause  ; 
No  safety  found  inserted  in  their  code, 
'Gainst  plunder,  murder,  treachery  and  blood. 
They  soon  made  Dick  his  fatal  acts  deplore. 
As  they  took  back,  that  which  was  lost  before. 
Tho'  Dick  were  pining  from  excessive  toil. 
But  still,  he  thought  he  would  secure  the  spoil ; 
He  came  himself,  with  thirty  thousand  men, 
Them  to  retake  and  repossess  again 
5 


50 

The  lands  he  lost  together  with  the  rest, 

To  bring  contentment  to  his  royal  breast. 

But  this  again  proved  mockery  and  show, 

Some  chiefs  submitted  to  avert  the  blow, 

But  a  great  chief,  with  a  selected  band, 

Who  seemed  determined  to  preserve  the  land 

From  the  grasp  of  an  invidious  foe. 

Or  sleep  in  death  forgetful  of  his  woe. 

He  spoke  as  thus  to  his  intrepid  band — 

"  You  see  these  locusts  will  pollute  the  land  ; 

The  dastard  Chief  that  will  attempt  to  flee. 

May  hide  his  face  forever  more  from  me, 

Let  them  not  think  we're  swallows  made  to  fly. 

We'll  stand,  we'll  fight,  We'll  conquer,  or  we'll  die. 

Let  it  be  said  by  heroes  yet  to  come, 

For  our  defeat  they  paid  a  heavy  sum ;" 

Then  with  a  burst  of  universal  glee. 

These  words  they  cried,  "  With  you  we  all  agree, 

Let  Richard  come  with  his  invading  force, 

We'll  drive  him  back,  and  intercept  his  course  ; 

Within  the  limits  of  this  spacious  wood. 

You'll  find  his  force  will  do  but  little  good ; 

Chief,  be  you  certain,"  was  the  joyful  cry, 

"  We'll  be  victorious,  otherwise  we  die. 

Rather  than  fly  from  Richard's  daring  host. 

We'll  sleep  in  death  unconscious  of  his  boast." 

Sure  enough,  when  Richard  did  advance. 

He  thought  his  foe  would  have  but  little  chance  : 

Just  as  a  lion  bounding  from  his  lair, 

The  King  appeared  with  an  intrepid  air ; 

He  fiercely  sought  the  wild  and  spacious  wood, 

Where  lay  the  foe,  as  he  had  understood, 

And  there  met  Art  with  heralds  made  of  steel, 

Who  gave  directions  to  his  men  to  wheel, 

And  face  the  foe  to  discomfit  them  all. 

And  then  let  valor  commemorate  the  fall. 

And  80  they  did,  till  the  invaders  thought. 

That  all  they'd  gain  would  be  too  dearly  bought. 

This  was  the  second  time  that  Richard  came, 

To  fan  the  furnace  of  a  fiery  flame, 


51 

Which  Art  had  kindled  with  unbounded  zeal, 
And  fed  the  furnace  with  a  trusty  steel, 
Made  Richard  think  he  met  a  sturdy  foe, 
And  so  he  proved  to  be  exactly  so. 
He  begg'd  of  Art  then  to  comply  in  peace. 
And  let  hostilities  entirely  cease  ; 
Obedience  show,  and  in  submission  yield, 
And  then  will  friendship  in  this  hostile  field 
Unite  us  both — obliterate  the  strife. 
You'll  be  my  friend,  and  I'll  be  yours  for  life. 
Ask  what  you  will,  if  I  can  it  command, 
That  you  shall  have,  here  is  my  royal  hand. 
Such  mock  pretensions  passing  to  and  fro. 
Between  the  King  and  his  immortal  foe. 
Then  Art  replied,  no  threat  can  make  me  yield, 
No  sword,  no  spear,  or  no  enormous  shield, 
Or  no  delicious  word  will  make  me  stay 
This  beaming  blade  that's  panting  for  the  fray. 
My  Knights  are  ready,  though  we  are  but  few, 
Still  brave  and  active,  candid,  bold  and  true. 
We  '11  leech  you  sire,  within  this  spacious  wood, 
And  suck  the  venom  from  your  royal  blood. 
The  King,  surprised  when  hearing  this  rebuff, 
And  thought  that  Arthur  was  as  bold  as  cuff; 
His  state  compelled  him  to  withdraw  his  men, 
And  place  the  sheep  within  the  lion's  skin. 
On  his  retreat,  both  on  his  front  and  rear, 
The  Irish  hung  with  such  assiduous  care. 
Destroying  his  men,  confusing  all  his  ranks, 
The  King  unthankful  for  such  warlike  pranks ; 
From  this  small  band  he  suffered  a  defeat. 
And  lost  some  thousands  in  his  last  retreat. 

King  Richard  returned  to  Dublin  ;  and  before  he 
arrived  in  that  city,  he  and  his  army  were  in  a  de- 
-plorable  condition.  His  troops  were  harrassed  and 
dispirited.  Art,  or  Arthur  Mac  Murrough  and  his 
terrific,  magnanimous  and  unconquerable  band, 
amounting  to  three  thousand  men,  still  hanging  on 
their  rear,  and  in  all  other  directions,  cutting  off 


62 

thousands  of  the  King's  prodigious  and  ferocious 
army.  However,  the  king  seemed  determined  to 
return  again  to  renew  the  battle,  and  to  attack  and 
exterminate,  if  possible, Mac  Murrough  and  his  in- 
vincible band,  as  the  King  had  been  reinforced 
from  England  at  the  time,  by  the  resolute  and  in- 
vulnerable Albamarle,  whose  skill,  courage,  disci- 
pline, and  military  approbation  were  considered 
equivalent  to  an  army.  But  Divine  Providence 
ordered  it  otherwise.  The  celebrated  Bollingbroke, 
Duke  of  Lancaster,  organized  and  excited  at  the 
same  time,  a  rebellion  in  England,  to  wrest  the 
crown  from  Richard's  brow — an'd  in  which  he  suc- 
ceeded. He  was  crowned  King  by  the  British  Par- 
liament, sitting  at  the  time,  by  the  title  and  appel- 
lation of  Henry  the  IVth.  This  sudden  and 
unexpected  renovation  in  human  affairs,  hastily 
demanded  the  King's  presence  in  England.  From 
whence  he  never  returned  afterwards,  to  subdue  the 
Irish,  who  remained  still  unconquered.  He  first 
landed  with  thirty  thousand  men  ;  and  secondly, 
with  fifty  thousand ;  and  after  draining  his  cofi'ers, 
spending  enormous  sums  of  money,  and  losing 
thousands  of  his  best  troops,  he  did  not  add  one 
shilling  to  his  revenue,  or  one  acre  to  his  English 
plantations. 

The  reign  of  Henry  the  IVth  requires  no  com- 
ment; as  no  remarkable  occurrence  happened  in 
his  time,  but  the  beheading  of  the  great  Earl  of 
Desmond,  for  some  family  intermarriages.  But  an 
Irish  chief,  at  the  time,  of  the  name  of  Art  Mac 
Murrough,  one  of  the  hereditary  Princes  of  Lein- 
ster,  had  been  afi'ectionately  situated  in  an  English 
lady's  estimation.  A  lady  of  the  highest  order,  of 
great  merit,  distinction  and  dignity,  who,  in  spite 
of  all  legislative  enactments  and  restraint,  married 
him,  which  was  a  cause  of  introducing  marriages 
indiscriminately  between  both  parties,  and  oblite- 
rating in  a  manner  all  detestable  and  odious  dis- 
tinction between  them.    Henry  the  Vlth's  reign 


63 

requires  no  insinuations  ;  neither  does  Henry  the 
Vlltlt's  time  on  the  throne  require  much  investiga- 
tion, as  it  passed  away  without  any  material  alte- 
ration in  Irish  affairs,  or  without  making  any 
considerable  attempt  to  retard  the  proficiencies  of 
the  Irish,  who  still  remained  unchangeable  and 
unconquerable.  At  that  time  the  English  jurisdic- 
tion and  authority,  had  been  reduced  to  a  mere 
skeleton  in  Ireland  ;  although  the  internal  di- 
visions and  commotion  between  Irish  chiefs,  had 
been  violent  and  desultory  at  the  time,  which  pre- 
cluded a  strenuous  and  consolidated  union  between 
them.  The  reader  should  peruse  attentively,  since 
the  time  of  Alfred  the  great,  the  actions  and  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Kings,  lords  and  nobles  of  England, 
forming  an  aristocratieal  body  of  haughty,  over- 
bearing, treacherous,  impious  and  despotic  tyrants, 
with  few  exceptions,  until  the  present  day,  and  he 
will  be  astonished  that  kingly  power  and  presump- 
tion were  not  obliterated  or  more  limited  through- 
out the  whole  world  before  the  American  Revolu- 
tion, and  particularly  in  England.  That  England 
produces  great  men,  great  comets,  luminaries,  and 
stars  of  prodigious  magnitude  and  splendor,  cannot 
be  denied.  In  every  department  of  life  that  man 
is  destined  to  fulfil,  they  have  displayed  their  tal- 
ents conspicuously.  The  divines  of  England  be- 
came remarkable  for  their  sanctity  and  devotion. 
The  approbation  of  her  statesmen,  in  a  political 
point  of  view,  has  been  considered  irrefragable. 
In  jurisprudence  her  lawyers  and  judges  ascended 
to  the  summit  of  their  profession.  Her  bards, 
poets,  historians  and  mathematicians  could  not  be 
superseded — notwithstanding  one  grain  of  refined 
cruelty  arising  from  her  legislative  enactments, 
would  disgrace  and  cancel  all  the  shining  burnish, 
brilliancy  and  ornament  on  English  escutcheon, 
and  bury  forever  her  most  splendid  acquirements 
and  adventures,  in  the  pond  of  abhorrence,  or  in 
the  stream  of  oblivion.  Gentle  reader,  look  back 
5* 


54 

since  the  death  of  Alfred  to  the  reformation,  and 
perhaps  you  will  say  that  a  reformation  was  neces- 
sary. Did  it  make  a  change  for  the  better  ?  No  ; 
it  made  morals,  habits  and  legislative  actions  of  the 
aristocratical  party  worse.  Did  the  reformation 
make  the  people,  morally,  spiritually  and  practi- 
cally better  ?  Did  it  assist  individually,  or  collec- 
tively ?     It  is  for  you,  gentle  reader,  to  judge. 

We  must  acknowledge  Henry  the  Vlllth  had 
been  the  Father  of  the  Reformation.  Luther,  only 
perforated  a  gimlet  hole.  But  Henry  applied  his 
Archimedean  lever,  and  let  loose  the  flood  gates  of 
the  reformation.  All  that  have  been  acquainted 
with  his  character,  must  believe  him  to  be  a  mon- 
ster in  crime  and  cruelty,  perfidy,  treachery  and 
tyranny  ;  full  of  wrath,  froth,  frolic,  and  abomina- 
tion. Henry  excelled  all  his  cotemporaries  in  his 
attachment  and  devotion  to  all  evil — nay,  all  the 
atrocious  and  incorrigible  villains  that  came  before 
or  after  him.  The  Czar  of  Russia  is  an  angel  in 
comparison  to  him  ;  though  the  Czar  unscrupu- 
lously and  unmercifully  mangles  and  tortures  in- 
nocent women,  and  others,  devoted  to  Christian 
charity,  he  spares  his  own  women,  and  are  spared 
by  his  confidence  and  afi^ection  ;  but  the  case  was 
diametrically  opposite  with  Henry.  He  murdered 
his  own  wives,  and  if  we  attribute,  infallible,  cer- 
tainty, to  historical  facts  and  traditionary  legends, 
he  murdered  his  own  daughter  Ann  Boleyn.  Not- 
withstanding the  near  affinity,  it  did  not  save  her  ; 
it  did  not  render  her  inaccessible  to  his  infernal 
lust  and  unnatural  connection.  She  had  been  his 
wife  and  his  daughter ;  therefore,  Henry  surpassed 
the  Neroes  in  wickedness  and  abomination.  Now, 
if  a  crucified  God,  after  his  invisibility,  left  us 
without  an  infallible  guide,  until  Henry,  the  son  of 
perdition,  discovered  in  his  new  theory  the  right 
passage  to  salvation  ;  and  that  he  became  the  infal- 
lible guide  to  direct  us  in  matters  pertaining  to  the 
true  religion — the  Christian  religion  is  nothing  but 


65 

a  farce  ;  nay,  a  delusion.  Or,  if  he  left  us  for  a 
moment  after  his  ascension,  or  invisibility,  without 
a  guide,  would  be  incompatible  to  his  promise  and 
suffering.  I  am  no  theologian — such  treasure  is 
b.eyond  the  reach  of  my  superficial  imagination  ; 
but  I  am  something  of  a  metaphysician — and  so  is 
every  other  man  who  makes  right  use  of  his  reason ; 
and  this  testimony  has  been  extracted  from  me 
with  a  good  deal  of  reluctance,  by  the  odious  and 
uncharitable  epithets  applied  to  the  Catholic 
Church,  by  men,  and  gentlemen  of  splendid  attain- 
ments, that  must  certainly  have  known  better. 
This  is  the  reason  that  prompted  the  explanation. 


Eenrtf  the  VllltVs  Reign ^  A.D,  1509. 

Henry's  reign  no  pen  can  well  define ; 
Though  being  the  offspring  of  a  regal  line  ; 
And  to  provide  him  with  a  holy  torch, 
He  was  intended  for  the  Mother  Church; 
For  all  then  bearing  of  a  Christian  name. 
Believed  that  Church  and  lived  within  the  same. 
One  fold,  for  ages,  had  supplied  the  whole, 
To  banish  sin  and  sanctify  the  soul ; 
One  Lord,  one  faith,  and  one  redeeming  grace, 
Had  been  professed  by  all  the  Christian  race, 
'Till  that  perfidious  and  disgusting  King 
Had  roiled  the  waters  of  eternal  spring : 
Then  every  cobbler  got  a  gracious  call, 
He  dropped  his  lapstone  and  his  pond'rous  awl 
'Twas  Henry  led  and  Henry  taught  them  all. 
When  this  young  king  ascended  on  the  throne, 
All  hearts  rejoiced  together  with  his  own : 
A  pious  Prince,  accomplished  of  his  years ; 
To  dry  the  orphans'  and  the  widows'  tears : 
A  noble,  prudent  and  a  youthful  sage, 
And  staunch  supporter  of  declining  age. 
Such  was  expected  from  his  future  reign, 
Such  was  the  hope,  but  all  had  hoped  in  vain, 


56 

But  oh,  how  soon  a  renovation  came, 

To  brand  the  Prince  with  everlasting  shame. 

Before  the  change,  and  his  satanic  spleen. 

They  thought  it  prudent  to  provide  a  Queen 

For  this  great  Prince,  who  in  his  eighteenth  year, 

From  friends  or  foes  had  nothing  then  to  fear ; 

Beloved,  respected  and  admired  by  all. 

Had  been  this  Prince  before  his  hellish  fall. 

He  married  a  Princess  without  blight  or  stain, 

The  royal  daughter  of  the  King  of  Spain, 

And  then  united  were  the  bride  and  groom, 

In  close  communion  in  the  Church  of  Rome  ; 

What  ease,  what  peace,  what  happiness  of  mind, 

They  both  enjoyed,  'till  Henry  proved  unkind; 

Till  Ann  deprived  him  of  his  peaceful  rest. 

And  love  unlawful  settled  in  his  breast. 

With  one  broad  sweep  disgraced  his  royal  house, 

Enjoyed  his  Ann  and  put  away  his  spouse. 

For  eighteen  years  the  tyrant  then  had  been 

In  wedlock  bands  united  to  his  Queen ; 

No  sinful  tortures  did  pervade  his  breast, 

Destroy  his  peace,  or  dissipate  his  rest, 

Until  at  last  he  saw  with  much  surprise, 

Both  heaven  and  earth  in  fair  Ann  Bolyen's  eyes. 

He  mused,  he  sighed,  and  with  surprise  did  stare. 

On  all  her  wiles,  for  many  a  wile  was  there. 

Her  graceful  steps  in  her  fantastic  dance. 

She  showed  the  King,  and  all  acquired  in  France, 

Until  the  brute  and  lustful  reprobate, 

Had  loved  his  Ana  and  banished  his  old  Kate. 

The  Court  of  Rome  he  wanted  to  divorce 

Himself  from  Kate  and  let  him  have  his  course. 

To  wed  his  Ann  unmindful  of  his  kin. 

He  loved,  he  cherished,  and  he  loved  again, 

But  all  in  vain,  he  found  no  friends  in  Rome, 

To  grant  such  license  to  the  hellish  groom. 

Well  then  old  Harry  did  not  hesitate. 

He  married  Ann  and  banished  his  poor  Kate. 

As  he  no  longer  did  expect  or  hope. 

No  kind  compliance  from  the  reigning  Pope,        ij*:. 


57 

He  ruled  himself,  and  with  an  iron  rod, 

And  bid  adieu  to  all  the  laws  of  God. 

Saint  Peter's  keys  suspended  to  his  string, 

Which  made  the  tyrant  then  be  Pope  and  King; 

And  such  was  granted  by  the  British  laws, 

The  King  the  eflect,  Ann  the  hidden  cause, 

And  after  all,  devoid  of  fear  or  hope. 

The  horrid  brute  had  made  himself  a  Pope, 

Defied  his  God,  his  maker  and  his  might ; 

The  law  declared  that  every  thing  was  right. 

Yet  he  thought  that  Ann  defiled  his  bed. 

And  for  that  thought  poor  Ann  had  lost  her  head. 

The  King  had  then  a  very  gracious  friend,* 

A  keen,  intriguing,  demonstrating  fiend, 

"Whose  thirst  for  wealth  had  cancelled  holy  care. 

And  aimed  at  nothing  but  the  Papal  chair. 

A  greater  villain  cannot  be  in  hell, 

For  noted  villains  he  could  buy  and  sell ; 

His  craft  and  talents  did  the  demon  raise, 

To  the  summit  of  meridian  blaze ; 

The  beastly  King  he  would  let  loose  or  tie, 

Just  as.  his  lever  seemed  incli^d  to  ply ; 

He  was  the  King's  machine,  his  time  and  clock, 

And  helped  to  bring  Ann  Boylen  to  the  block  ; 

She  lost  her  head,  and  that  in  dire  disgrace, 

But  soon  another  Queen  supplied  her  place. 

But  God  who  saw  his  secret  thoughts  aspire, 

Soon  quelled  the  vengeance  of  unhallowed  fire, 

The  King  arrested  the  infernal  fiend. 

And  so  remained  unconscious  of  his  end, 

Till  death  had  nip'd  with  one  decisive  blow, 

The  vile,  perfidious,  unrelenting  foe. 

This  shows  at  once,  our  state  in  every  hour. 

When  in  subjection  to  a  tyrant's  power. 

Death  is  nigh  to  give  the  fatal  blow. 

Whene'er  the  tyrant  says  it  must  be  so — 

One  hour  may  gild  us  with  unbounded  praise. 

Or  one  short  hour  may  terminate  our  days ; 

*  Cardinal  Wolsey. 


58 

Therefore  vain  man,  the  safest  way's  to  be, 

Each  hour  prepared  to  face  eternity ; 

Make  all  things  straight  before  that  dreadful  day, 

For  here  or  there  you'll  have  the  debt  to  pay : 

Earthly  dross  can't  buy  a  heavenly  place, 

Without  the  aid  of  some  internal  grace; 

Down  below,  the  usurer  is  driven. 

And  up  ascends  the  beggarman  to  heaven. 

When  Wolsey  fell,  another  lark*  appeared, 

That  neither  God,  nor  any  man  had  feared, 

Who  wrote  a  book  to  justify  divorce, 

And  urged  old  Harry  to  pursue  his  course ; 

No  doubt  the  King,  a  recompense  as  large, 

Had  given  Cranmer  in  his  holy  charge ; 

He  held  the  keys,  and  all  dominion  too, 

In  Church  and  State,  to  magnify  the  few 

Who  did  adhere  to  the  established  laws 

The  King  got  made  to  justify  his  cause  ; 

Though  Cranmer  spliced  the  King  and  Ann  before, 

Just  at  the  block  he  said  she  was  a  whore. 

And  that  her  marriage  had  unlawful  been. 

And  by  all  means  s^e  could  not  be  a  Queen. 

Not  long  before,  since  he  had  made  the  fit. 

And  proved  his  point  indeed  by  holy  writ ; 

And  so  the  work  went  on,  with  force  and  haste, 

The  Queens  were  bad  or  otherwise  unchaste. 

Beheaded  many  through  revenge  and  ire, 

'Till  female  blood  had  made  a  reservoir, 

0  dear,  how  well  the  gentleman  could  hit, 

The  surest  passage  to  perdition's  pit. 

But  this  vile  impf  had  got  a  headlong  fall. 

And  paid  to  Mary  afterwards  for  all, 

When  Ann,  the  King  had  to  the  slaughter  led, 

And  by  his  laws  condemned  to  lose  her  head, 

A  cruel  wTetch  with  an  uplifted  axe, 

Required  of  her  to  pay  the  fatal  tax. 


*  Thomas  Cranmer,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  promoted  to 
this  dignity  by  Henry, 
f  Cranmer. 


59 

And  with  one  stroke  he  made  her  head  to  fly, 

The  hateful  King  had  fated  her  to  die. 

She  left  one  pledge  behind,  a  blessed  dove, 

And  spurious  offspring  of  unholy  love, 

And  when  poor  Ann  was  writhing  on  the  block, 

Old  Harry  thought  to  raise  another  stock ; 

'Twas  when  he  saw  with  unremitting  pain, 

The  killing  glances  of  angelic  Jane  ; 

The  match  was  made  and  every  thing  to  please, 

And  Cranmer  spliced  them  with  the-greatest  ease ; 

She  died,  did  well,  or  else  her  life  she'd  stake. 

To  get  a  duck  for  the  adulterous  drake, 

And  from  the  assortment  in  his  poultry  box, 

He  fed  deliciously  the  dainty  fox; 

But  oh,  how  Cranmer  knew  his  time  and  place, 

At  every  feast  he  said  a  solemn  grace, 

And  every  time  he  would  oblige  the  King, 

To  tie  the  knot  or  to  untie  the  string. 

Another  pullet  would  supply  the  place 

Of  the  last  killed  and  branded  with  disgrace. 

When  Jane  was  dead,  he  then  applied  to  Ann;* 

He  knew  she  wanted  a  superior  man. 

His  former  wives  she  knew  had  little  luck ; 

But,  still,  old  Harry  was  a  strenuous  buck. 

When  Cranmer  came  to  give  the  King  his  aid. 

No  time  was  lost  before  the  match  was  made. 

For  seven  long  months  they  lived  as  man  and  wife. 

Though  not  without  some  very  serious  strife. 

She  had  no  faults  that  he  could  tell  or  name ; 

But  his  love  cooled,  and  that  was  all  the  same. 

The  pliant  Cranmer,  with  his  potent  breath. 

Divorced  the  pair  as  if  divorced  by  death. 

Then,  Harry  parted  his  angelic  Ann, 

And  sent  her  off  to  seek  some  other  man. 

But  oh,  my  friends,  the  King  was  not  a  coward, 

He  next  consulted  his  sweet  Catharine  Howard, 

A  handsome  dame  possessing  every  grace. 

With  great  attraction  in  her  blooming  face. 

*  Ann  of  Cleves,  Anno,  1539 


60 

Soon  Cranmer  came,  and  in  a  gorgeous  style, 

The  King  much  pleased  with  the  Archbishop's  smile, 

He  tied  again  the  beastly  reprobate, 

With  much  content  to  his  beloved  Kate ; 

'Twas  well,  if  things  had  long  continued  so, 

But  mortals  have  no  happiness  below. 

Some  curious  thoughts  had  entered  Harry's  head, 

As  heretofore  about  his  marriage  bed; 

Suspiciously  he  viewed  the  marriage  state, 

Of  rakish,  roguish,  roving,  ranting  Kate, 

And  as  she  failed  in  raising  him  some  stock. 

He  had  consigned  her  to  the  fatal  block, 

Where  the  old  wretch,  with  one  descending  blow. 

Cut  off  her  head  to  terminate  her  woe. 

That  stopped  old  Cranmer  in  his  usual  course, 

To  give  the  King  another  sound  divorce. 

Courageous  Henry  woed  another  Kate,* 

The  sixth  and  last  that  put  him  out  of  date ; 

The  Godless  tyrant  and  inhuman  brute. 

Commenced  with  her  another  fresh  dispute. 

Before  his  death,  he  thought  to  antedate, 

The  dreadful  doom  of  his  angelic  Kate, 

But  death  approached  to  end  the  sad  dispute. 

And  lifeless  left  the  vile  disgusting  brute. 

Now  reader  think,  and  try,  can  you  define. 

The  church  he  built,  or  can  it  be  divine. 

Now  holy  writ  declares  without  dispute, 

A  tree  corrupted,  bears  corrupted  fruit ; 

As  Henry  lived  a  beast,  he  died  a  brute. 

Another  character  appeared  on  the  stage  of 
activity  during  King  Henry's  reign ;  and  not  to 
place  his  name  in  the  catalogue  of  reformers,  would 
be  a  culpable  omission.  The  individual  to  whom  I 
have  reference,  was  Thomas  Cromwell,  a  better 
instrument  in  the  hands  of  an  unprincipled  tyrant, 
to  carry  out  the  work  of  desolation  and  devastation, 
could  not  come  within  the  stretch  of  his  imagina- 

*  Catharine  Parr. 


61 

tion.  He  surpassed  all  men  in  acts  of  perfidy,  bar- 
barity, cruelty  and  invention.  He  outstripped  the 
English  nobility  in  the  chase  of  emulation.  His 
craft  and  ingenuity,  threw  a  halo  of  dazzling  bril- 
liancy around  him,  and  around  all  his  operations, 
which  contaminated  all  the  efforts  of  his  competi- 
tors. He  eclipsed  his  cotemporaries  in  the  King's 
estimation,  as  the  planet  Jupiter  does  any  of  its 
revolving  satelites.  Henry,  the  chief  and  arch 
reformer,  sent  Cromwell  to  inspect  the  monasteries, 
such  then  were  the  depositories  of  education,  devo- 
tion, and  immovable  virtue,  and  such,  had  been  the 
shelter  and  protection  of  the  widow  and  orphan, 
and  after  his  return  to  Henry,  he  gave  such  a 
horrid  account  of  that  virtuous  and  religious  body, 
that  Henry  gave  him  toleration  to  plunder  and 
murdei^  that  virtuous  people,  indiscriminately  ;  re- 
gardless of  sanctity,  condition,  age  or  infirmity. 
No  doubt,  he  and  Henry  consummated  the  plan, 
before  inspection.  The  task  was  finished  by  Crom- 
well, with  dispatch,  vehemence  and  intolerance,  for 
which  he  received  the  thanks  and  approbation  of 
Henry.  He  was  detested  by  the  Lords  and  Nobles 
of  England,  not  for  his  atrocities,  but  for  the  pre- 
rogative he  had  from  the  King.  Being  under  the 
King's  protection,  he  was  inaccessible  to  their 
meditated  destruction.  Cromwell  sprung  from  an 
obscure  parentage,  the  brightest  jewel'in  his  pedi- 
gree is,  that  he  was  the  son  of  a  blacksmith,  but  in 
dividing  the  plundered  spoil  between  himself  and 
the  King,  through  that  self  avariciousness,  which 
is  natural  to  man,  Cromwell  kept  an  extravagant 
share  to  himself,  which  displeased  the  King,  and 
hastened  to  br.ng  Cromwell  to  the  block.  The  day 
of  retribution  came;  Divine  Providence,  that  de- 
molishes wicked  operations,  silenced  the  gentleman. 
Henry  looked  with  an  evil  eye  upon  the  magnitude 
of  his  riches,  sent  him  to  the  tower,  and  afterwards 
to  the  block ;  the  just  reward  of  his  invention  and 
cruelty.     Now,  dear  reader,  take  candidly  into  con- 


62 

sideration  the  works  of  the  Arch  Reformer  and  his 
co-laborers  in  establishing  the  Reformation,  and  say 
whether  it  can  be  divine  or  otherwise.  Luther,  a 
Dominican  priest,  who  violated  his  vows  of  chas- 
tity, charity,  honesty,  humility,  obedience,  celibacy 
and  devotion,  and  caused  Catharine  De  Bore,  a 
professed  Nun,  whose  vows  were  nearly  equivalent 
to  Luther's,  to  do  the  same ;  and  look  on  the  other 
hand,  on  Henry  the  VIIL,  who,  impiously,  wan- 
tonly, and  presumptuously,  after  decapitating  his 
wives,  assumed  the  dignity  of  Pope — then  ask  your- 
self, can  the  English  Reformation  be  a  Divine  in- 
stitution, or  not.  Henry  and  Luther  are  the  hinges, 
or,  in  other  words,  the  Peter  and  Paul  of  the  Refor- 
mation. 

JEdward  the  Sixth's  Reign.         * 

When  Henry  died  he  left  a  Royal  heir, 
And  placed  him  under  the  assiduous  care 
Of  a  protector,  to  direct  his  youth, 
And  train  his  Edward  in  the  ways  of  truth. 
But,  be  it  known,  that  Eddy  was  no  sage, 
As  wanting  something  of  ten  years  of  age. 
When  Edward's  mother  had  been  put  to  bed. 
Then  to  bring  forth  the  Royal  monster  Ned, 
Some  wreck  of  Nature  caused  poor  Ned  to  lie 
In  his  close  cave,  which  made  the  mother  die  : 
When  the  Doctor  saw  the  inevitable  state. 
He  then  reported  her  approaching  fate  ; 
And  told  the  King  how  matters  then  had  been, 
That  he  could  save  the  child,  or  else  the  Queen, 
But,  in  spite  of  aid,  the  case  is  really  so. 
To  save  the  Queen,  the  child  will  have  to  go  ; 
Therefore,  my  liege,  the  case  you  may  decide. 
We'll  cut  the  baby  from  the  mother's  side  ; 
The  King  replied,  **  Now  use  your  utmost  care, 
To  save  if  possible  my  royal  heir  ; 
If  it  be  an  heir,  it  will  me  highly  please. 
He  can  inherit  these,  my  heavenly  keys ; 


63 

He'll  rule  triumphantly  both  church  and  state, 

Behead  his  Queen  or  hang  the  rebrobate  : 

Gut,  cut  and  torture,  let  the  work  be  done, 

And  so  it  will,  if  it  be  his  daddy's  son  ;* 

The  royal  babe  you  save,  or  else  you  fly, 

It  is  allotted  that  the  Queen  shall  die." 

Then  sure  enough,  the  Doctor,  like  a  Turk, 

Returned  quick,  and  went  at  once  to  work ; 

Approached  with  confidence  the  royal  bed. 

Despatched  his  Queen,  and  saved  his  little  Ned ; 

A  tiny  thing,  and  of  a  puny  race. 

With  a  small  head,  and  very  little  face. 

Nature,  then,  in  mourning,  wore  a  scarf, 

For  making  Ned  a  diminutive  dwarf; 

But  all  defects  were  only  made  to  please, 

When  the  King  gave  Ned  his  new  angelic  keys. 

Some  blacksmith  made,  and  of  the  brightest  steel, 

And  which  extended  to  poor  Neddy's  heel. 

What  present  happiness  and  future  hope, 

Could  be  expected  from  this  little  Pope  ? 

Then,  the  Pope,  together  with  the  Duke, 

Made  serious  laws  would  make  a  donkey  puke. 

They  were  assisted  by  good  Cranmer  too, 

Who  married  Dick,  till  everything  was  blue, 

As  new  inventions  did  require  a  change, 

When  rusty  metals  operated  strange — 

0  !  the  new  creed  and  articles  were  bad, 

And  those  that  framed  them  must  be  raging  mad  ; 

They  went  to  work  as  to  amend  the  whole. 

To  set  things  right,  to  sanctify  the  soul ; 

The  law  was  made  with  very  little  strife, 

That  every  man  may  take  a  blooming  wife ; 

That  lying  alone  was  destitute  of  grace. 

And  no  assistance  to  the  human  race  ; 

And  then  with  more  than  ordinary  brass. 

They  did  reject  the  sacrifice  of  mass. 

This,  of  course,  was  pious  Cranmer's  choice. 

Without  a  nay  or  a  dissenting  voice ; 

<^  Henry's  sou. 


64 

'Twas  passed  and  sanctioned  by  the  holy  trine, 

And  then,  of  course,  'twas  ratified  divine. 

Then  Cranmer  had  indeed  a  hidden  frow, 

Of  German  stuff,  that  did  a  mountain  grow, 

Whom  he  brought  o'er  and  packed  her  in  a  box, 

The  wily,  knavish,  and  notorious  fox. 

He  bored  the  lid,  that  ventilating  air, 

Could  have  access  to  every  corner  there. 

He  feared  his  frow  would  suffocated  be, 

Eor  want  of  air  while  crossing  o'er  the  sea. 

She  felt  so  snug  within  her  narrow  cage, 

A  proper  place,  agreeable  to  her  age  ; 

But  when  the  sailors  did  the  ship  unload, 

As  one  stout  case  the  place  of  her  abode. 

Was  so  constructed,  that  a  waggish  tar, 

That  found  no  pleasure  but  in  cries  of  war. 

Attracted  notice,  and  he  fain  would  know, 

The  place  of  living  of  the  German  frow  ; 

By  its  construction,  thought  it  was  designed, 

For  something  strange  that  was  in  it  confined. 

The  sailors  all  at  once  did  condescend 

To  set  the  box  upon  its  very  end  ; 

When  Jack  had  fixed. the  box  upon  the  quay, 

Her  head  was  down — her  heels  the  other  way : 

But  lo  !  what  then,  some  groans  were  heard  inside, 

That  added  murmur  to  the  rushing  tide  ; 

Then  Jack  cried  out,  *'  There  is  a  something  here. 

That  men  and  angels  have  a  need  to  fear. 

The  lad's  unchained,  and  left  the  lower  place, 

And  fixed  himself  within  this  curious  case ;" 

"  I  say,"  cried  Jack,  "As  we  are  now  in  port. 

We'll  set  him  loose  and  have  a  little  sport ;" 

He  struck  the  case  with  one  tremendous  blow. 

And  outward  fell  the  huge,  prodigious  frow. 

Then,  there  she  lay,  and  seemed  without  a  breath. 

The  sailors  ran  and  terrified  to  death; 

Poor  Cranmer  watched  her  with  the  greatest  care. 

And  to  restore  her  made  a  handsome  prayer  ; 

No  wonder,  then,  he  would  reijounce  for  life, 

The  church  would  keep  him  from  a  handsome  wife, 


65 

The  pliant  crew  and  sacrilegious  trine, 
Were  Ned's  protectors  and  the  old  divine, 
Did  all  they  could  to  antedate  the  doom, 
And  Godlike  virtues  of  the  church  of  Rome. 
But  all  in  vain,  she  cannot  err  or  fall, 
As  being  protected  by  the  Lord  of  all ; 
For  now  she  is,  as  she  was  heretofore, 
And  so  remain  she  will  for  evermore. 
The  ungrateful  villain  and  invidious  Duke, 
Whose  daring  deeds  had  merited  rebuke  ; 
The  baneful,  guileful,  hateful,  hurtful  fiend, 
Had  been  forsaken  by  his  nearest  friend. 
Warwick  wrought  to  terminate  his  days, 
And  marked  his  actions  and  his  erring  ways  ; 
And  well  suceeded  in  his  grand  design. 
To  make  the  Duke  his  guardianship  resign  ; 
He  was  imprison'd  in  a  loathsome  tower. 
And  there  divested  of  his  pride  and  power, 
He  there  remained  to  muse  and  meditate. 
On  all  the  acts  that  brought  him  to  that  state. 
The  church  he  robbed,  the  priest  and  pious  monk, 
And  every  virtue  under  him  had  sunk. 
Every  one  his  misery  did  mock. 
Till  fate  consigned  him  to  the  fatal  block, 
A  lasting  warning  and  a  proper  guide, 
To  men  inflated  with  imperious  pride. 
Edward's  reign  had  terminated  soon, 
Who  left  behind  his  papa's  heavenly  boon. 
He  had  been  guided  in  the  ways  of  sin. 
By  hasty,  brutal  and  rapacious  men. 
Though,  then  the  Duke  was  his  pretended  guide, 
An  odious  monster  on  the  other  side ; 
Polluted  all,  and  leavened  every  lump. 
Who  always  played  a  very  heavy  trump  ; 
Though  well  he  played  and  understood  the  game. 
Though  green  his  laurels,  and  though  great  his  fame  ; 
He  was  apprised  of  his  approaching  end. 
That  blazing  faggots  would  consume  the  fiend. 
He  died  full  fledged  with  every  vile  disgrace, 
0  1  one  great  villain  of  the  human  race. 
6* 


66 

The  deatli-like  Edward  of  a  puny  size,  * 
Showed  signs  and  wonders  in  his  face  and  eyes. 
His  hollow  cough,  and  shortness  of  his  breath, 
Had  indicated  his  approaching  death. 
Then,  Northumberland,  with  pretended  fear, 
Approached  his  bed,  but  could  not  force  a  tear ; 
Said  he,  "  My  liege,  as  you  will  soon  decay, 
Bequeath  your  crown  to  comely  Jenny  Gray. 
All  our  works  Queen  Mary  will  deface, 
And  our  new  church  will  have  no  sign  of  grace : 
Now,  Bess  you  know,  is  Catholic  at  heart 
She'll  do  her  best,  and  act  the  roguish  part, 
Unless  you  do  contaminate  the  will. 
Of  your  great  sire,  with  consummated  skill. 
Your  holy  keys  will  get  a  doleful  doom, 
And  all  will  turn  to  the  church  of  Rome. 
Let  Jane  enjoy  with  gratitude  of  heart. 
Your  keys  and  kingdom  after  you  depart." 
The  dying  Edward  had  complied  withal. 
To  save  his  church  from  a  disgraceful  fall. 
They  sent  for  Mary  and  for  spurious  Bess, 
The  virgin  Queen  whom  God  did  never  bless  ; 
Then  to  arrest  them'  when  within  their  power. 
And  then  to  convey  them  to  the  loathsome  tower ; 
Confine  them  there,  or  bring  them  to  the  block, 
For  their  attachment  to  the  holy  rock. 
Whom  God  appointed  in  his  heavenly  dome. 
The  first  great  shepherd  of  the  church  of  Rome. 
Ah  !  Bess  did  change,  the  pleasing,  pliant  dove, 
And  spurious  offspring  of  unlawful  love. 
Arundel  sent  some  noble,  cautious  stranger, 
To  warn  Mary  of  approaching  danger ; 
He  also  said,  that  Jane  to  her  disgrace. 
Had  been  elected  in  Queen  Mary's  place ; 
And  also  said,  that  Edward  had  been  dead 
For  three  long  days,  still  nothing  yet  was  said. 
To  mar  their  pleasure,  if  arrested  were 
The  royal  pair  who  were  expected  there, 
And  at  her  peril  to  reverse  her  course. 
And  find  a  refuge  from  some  other  source. 


67 

Enough  was  said,  then  Mary  raised  the  cry, 

That  she'd  be  Queen,  or  otherwise  she'd  die ; 

That  Lady  Jane  intruded  on  her  crown, 

And  cast  on  her  a  supercilious  frown, 

Demanded  justice,  destitute  of  spleen, 

To  aid  her  efforts  and  to  make  her  Queen  ; 

No  vile  intrigues  can  e'er  derange  or  kill 

My  father's  laws,  or  abrogate  his  will. 

She  rode  in  haste,  and  did  to  Suffolk  go, 

To  brave  the  efforts  of  her  daring  foe. 

And  her  proclaim  the  Sovereign  and  Queen, 

Free  and  divested  of  despotic  spleen. 

The  day  before  they  had  decreed  the  sway. 

And  good  election  of  their  Jenny  Gray, 

Their  answer  back  was  far  from  being  sincere. 

Still  all  their  efforts  could  not  bring  despair. 

She  stood  determined  and  courageous  too, 

Against  the  faithless  and  perfidious  crew, 

In  spite  of  fraud,  and  of  corrupted  men. 

They  crowned  Queen  Mary  and  rejected  Jane. 

Mary  was  beset  on  every  side, 

By  a  ferocious  and  rebellious  tide 

Of  wayward,  warlike,  vicious,  daring  men. 

The  spacious  fountain  of  egregious  sin. 

The  army,  navy,  and  reformers  all, 

AVere  then  determined  to  complete  her  fall; 

Cranmer  laid  the  deep  destructive  plot. 

But  in  his  viles  the  viper  had  been  caught. 

His  new  made  creed  he  did  at  once  forsake. 

When  blazing  faggots  at  the  burning  stake 

Brought  death  in  view,  'twas  then  the  viper  cried, 

"  0  Lord  of  mercy,  my  transgressions  hide. 

To  Thee  I  cry,  for  all  thy  mercy's  sake, 

To  look  w^ith  pity  on  this  blazing  stake ; 

I  am  a  sinner  of  an  awful  dye, 

For  mercy  !  mercy  !  I  sincerely  cry : 

I  broke  thy  laws  and  disobeyed  thy  will, 

I  knew  'twas  wrong,  but  persevering  still, 

I  tried  to  trample  on  thy  holy  church, 

And  quench  the  halo  of  thy  radiant  torch ; 


68 

Let  every  sinner  now  attend  and  gaze, 

On  this  sad  awful  and  tremendous  blaze, 

The  just  reward  of  all  unrighteous  men. 

Who  practice  error  and  encourage  sin  ; 

And  here  I  die  to  mj  eternal  shame, 

'Midst  blazing  sheets  and  floods  of  raging  flame  ; 

Pray  all  good  christians  for  Jehovah's  sake. 

To  grant  me  mercy  at  this  burning  stake." 

I  hope  they  did,  and  if  repentance  came. 

He  paid  for  all  in  that  tremendous  flame. 

Was  Mary  better  than  he^  darling  sire, 

When  she  approved  of  that  consuming  fire  ? 

Could  not  she  let  the  erring  man  to  live, 

And  not  to  take  the  life  she  could  not  give  ? 

She  was  the  get  of  the  infernal  lad,* 

And  by  inheritance  she  should  be  had. 

The  Queen  approved  of  his  atrocious  fate, 

Or  made  him  perish  in  that  awful  state. 

Then  Mary's  reign  had  terminated  soon, 

And  left  no  issue  to  enjoy  the  boon  ; 

She  thought  it  better  then  to  walk  with  ease. 

Than  hear  the  clanking  of  the  modern  keys. 

She  had  deserted  that  forlorn  hope, 

And  threw  the  blessing  on  the  reigning  Pope, 

Such  by  succession  had  a  right  to  be, 

In  the  possession  of  the  holy  see. 

And  all  attempts  to  make  another  fit. 

Would  prove  to  be  another  counterfeit. 

Her  papa's  keys  no  longer  could  she  trace. 

By  backward  steps,  than  to  his  royal  grace. 

Who  got  them  m.ade  according  to  his  plan. 

For  the  protection  of  his  comely  Ann  ; 

The  change  of  Queens  had  brought  them  into  play, 

And  they  possess  them  to  this  very  day. 

The  simple  maid,  how  solemnly  she  saith. 

Now  I  am  Queen,  defender  of  the  faith. 

And  show  no  blush  for  such  a  spurious  act. 

Proves  nature's  frail,  to  be  a  certain  fact, 

*  Old  Harry. 


69 

At  her  demise,  the  crown  transferred  to  dress 
The  angel  brow  of  sweet  angelic  Bess — 
As  robbing  churches  and  destroying  the  poor, 
Had  been  the  object  of  that  graceless  wh***. 


Queen  ElizahetKs  Reign, 

When  Mary  died  she  left  no  heir  behind, 

But  a  dear  sister  of  a  spurious  kind — 

With  force  and  fraud  depicted  in  her  face, 

A  spurious  get  and  destitute  of  grace. 

In  Edward's  reign,  the  hypocritic  Bess 

Would  always  wear  a  very  simple  dress, 

She  was  the  protest  of  the  highest  grade, 

That  sung  his  hymns  and  prayed  as  Edward  pray'd  ; 

A  stiff,  unbending  protestant  had  been 

The  gracious,  godly,  and  unerring  Queen, 

When  Mary  did  ascend  the  royal  throne, 

Then  her  sweet  lute  did  yield  another  tone ; 

The  new  fledged  carmorant — a  modern  creed, 

They  clogg'd  together  in  the  time  of  need. 

Will  soon  dissolve  into  perpetual  gloom, 

And  naught  can  flourish  but  the  Church  of  Rome. 

The  Lord  of  Hosts  to  it  succession  gave. 

In  spite  of  hell  it  stands  substantial — save 

Few  withered  limbs  that  fell  by  some  mishap. 

Dry,  rotten  stuff,  and  destitute  of  sap — 

These  words  she  said,  and  with  devotion  too 

Then  struck  her  breast  and  prayed  till  all  was  blue. 

The  pious  Bess  could  change  with  every  wind, 

And  execrate  the  point  she  left  behind — 

She  prayed  like  Edward  in  his  palmy  days. 

And  turned  with  Mary  when  he  lost  the  keys. 

At  th'  very  thought  of  any  venial  sin. 

To  show  how  Bess  would  be  afl'ected  then. 

She  built  a  church  within  her  royal  house. 

The  virgin  Queen  that  never  was  a  spouse, 

A  pious  priest  officiated  there. 

With  heavenly  zeal  and  free  from  worldly  care  ;  - 


70 

In  every  way  he  tauglit  her  how  to  rule, 
But  Bess  indeed  had  been  a  stubborn  mule, 
She  seemed  inclined  to  act  as  he  had  said, 
And  much  disgusted  at  her  brother  Ned, 
For  his  false  creed,  and  the  attention  paid 
To  it  through  folly,  by  the  royal  maid  ; 
On  bended  knees  she  prayed  with  fervent  hope, 
To  damn  poor  Ned  and  bless  the  reigning  Pope ; 
But  oh !  my  friends,  she  soon  forgot  the  whole, 
And  strove  herself  to  sanctify  the  soul. 
The  virgin  Queen  with  such  amazing  speed. 
Had  cancelled  Ned's  and  made  another  creed. 
When  foreign  Kings  declared  that  she  had  been, 
A  lawful  Sovereign  and  a  British  Queen ; 
Full  up  of  joy,  and  of  exalted  hope. 
She  sent  an  Envoy  to  the  reigning  Pope, 
To  know  at  once  what  was  the  sovereign  doom, 
Pronounced  on  her  within  imperial  Rome ; 
The  Pope  refused  then  to  proclaim  her  Queen, 
Which  had  excited  an  amazing  spleen 
In  Betsy's  heart,  and  in  its  inmost  core. 
To  think  her  mother  had  been  made  a  wh***  ; 
Though  her  great  sire  had  passed  a  legal  act, 
That  proved  conclusively  the  very  fact. 
Another  act  appeared  in  Mary's  reign. 
To  the  effect  that  she  could  not  be  Queen. 
The  Pope  declining,  caused  a  great  alarm. 
And  showed  that  Betsey  was  a  bastard  born. 
With  rage  unbounded  and  exceeding  haste. 
She  tied  a  fillet  round  her  slender  waist, 
There  hung  her  keys  which  cast  a  brilliant  glow, 
And  made  herself  an  independent  foe, 
Defied  the  Pope  and  all  his  heavenly  laws. 
His  solemn  scruples  would  not  suit  her  cause ; 
His  long  succession  she  would  overthrow, 
With  one  indignant  and  decisive  blow. 
She  had  her  keys  and  made  so  well  to  fit. 
The  massy  gate  of  the  infernal  pit  ; 
No  imp  in  hell  hatched  malice  half  so  great, 
As  the  lustful,  hurtful,  hateful  reprobate. 


71 

The  Pope  refusing  to  give  Bess  his  aid, 

Provoked  exceedingly  the  royal  maid ; 

She  thought  it  better  to  renounce  the  church, 

Than  rest  contaminated  in  the  lurch. 

Another  case  that  aggravated  Bess, 

And  on  her  mind  so  heavily  did  press, — 

The  beauteous  Mary  who  was  Queen  of  Scots, 

Kept  her  quite  busy  in  contriving  plots. 

The  Queen  of  Scots  was  also  Queen  of  Fi  ance. 

Who,  by  right,  had  much  a  better  chance 

To  sit  as  Queen  upon  the  British  throne, 

For  spurious  Betty  I  am  sure  had  none ; 

She  was  grand-niece  indeed  to  wicked  Harry, 

Who  had  six  wives  and  yet  a  mind  to  marry ; 

She  liv'd  a  christian  in  angelic  bloom, 

And  in  communion  with  the  Church  of  Rome. 

0  what  mishap  the  Queen  of  Scots  did  try. 

Yet  branded  Bess  had  fated  her  to  die. 

To  tell  her  woes  requires  a  heavenly  muse, 

Whose  soothing  song  would  make  us  to  peruse 

Her  sad  afflictions  in  a  heavenly  dress, 

And  all  inflicted  by  ungodly  Bess. 

No  other  imp  excepting  Bess  alone, 

Whose  heart  was  callous  or  was  made  of  stone, 

Could  be  so  cruel  to  the  worst  of  foes, 

Or  use  such  means  to  aggravate  her  woes. 

Insult,  misfortune,  and  increase  distress. 

But  the  unrighteous  and  ungodly  Bess, 

Who  took  delight,  and  to  her  own  disgrace. 

In  the  afflictions  of  the  human  race. 

The  Queen  of  Scots  was  married  to  a  Prince, 

And  heir  apparent  to  the  throne  of  France ; 

It  is  inserted  on  historic  page. 

She  was  the  Venus  of  her  sex  and  age. 

He  died  regretted  and  beloved  by  all, 

Who  heard  lamented  his  untimely  fall. 

Then  home  to  Scotland  beauteous  Mary  came, 

Strewed  with  laurels  and  unfaded  fame ; 

Convulsive  factions  had  deranged  the  place, 

And  clip'd  the  pinions  of  harmonious  peace ; 


72 

Knox  had  preached  his  reformation  there, 

The  pious  monk  was  certainly  sincere ; 

Though  Bess  and  he  had  widely  disagreed 

In  framing  then  an  everlasting  creed, 

They  both  conspired  to  fabricate  the  doom, 

And  sad  destruction  of  the  Church  of  Rome. 

Her  subjects  then  in  great  rebellion  rose, 

And  in  succession  woes  succeeded  woes ; 

Then  Mary  fled  in  hopes  to  find  redress. 

And  safe  protection  from  her  cousin  Bess. 

Alas  !  the  Queen  was  disappointed  there, 

As  being  arrested  like  a  hunted  hare, 

Confined,  immured  within  a  lonesome  jail. 

Reproached,  insulted,  destitute  of  bail. 

She  there  remained  for  nineteen  years  in  dread, 

Till  godless  Betsey  did  cut  off"  her  head, 

Contrived  aSlictions  still  enduring  there, 

Yet  soothed  down  by  penitence  and  prayer. 

Her  pure  devotion  o'er  the  fatal  block. 

Allayed  the  venom  of  the  awful  shock  ; 

With  hands  uplifted,  and  no  silence  broke. 

Still  praising  God,  until  the  fatal  stroke 

Cut  off  the  head  of  Mary,  Queen  of  Scots, 

Who  fell  a  victim  to  designing  plots. 

Such  was  the  Queen  who  made  a  holy  creed. 

To  save  poor  sinners  in  the  time  of  need — 

Such  was  the  honest  and  unspotted  Queen, 

The  pious  virgin  destitute  of  spleen, 

Such  was  the  Queen  who  had  Saint  Peter's  keys. 

Fixed  and  suspended  to  her  silken  stays ; 

If  God  allowed  her  to  enjoy  her  place, 

'Twas  for  the  good  of  all  her  suffering  race. 

For  by  long  suffering,  we  may  purify  """ 

Our  sinful  acts,  and  be  prepared  to  die. 

Whitaker,  the  Protestant  historian  and  divine, 
made  the  following  remarks  : — "  The  legal  murder 
of  Mary  Queen  of  Scots,  that  took  place  on  the 
8th  of  February,  1587,  a  day  of  everlasting  in- 
famy to  the  English  Queen  who  had  no  sensibility 


73 

of  tenderness,  and  no  sentiments  of  generosity ; 
who  looked  not  upon  the  awful  verdict  of  history; 
and  who  shuddered  not  at  the  infinitely  more  aw- 
ful doom  of  God.  I  blush,  as  an  Englishman,  to 
think  this  was  done  by  an  English  Queen,  and  one 
whose  name  I  was  taught  to  lisp  in  my  infancy,  as 
the  honor  of  her  sex,  and  the  glory  of  her  Isle." 

When  Harry  ruin'd,  the  Abbeys  every  where, 
Wherein  the  needy  get  their  usual  fare ; 
In  wretchedness  the  creatures  had  to  roam, 
'Friendless,  helpless,  heartless,  without  a  home, 
No  friend  was  left  to  mitigate  their  grief. 
No  Priest,  no  Monk,  no  other  pious  Chief ; 
The  vicious  Queen  had  passed  a  penal  law, 
Authorizing  agents,  every  place  they  saw 
Such  rambling  bands,  to  punish  and  subdue. 
And  show  no  mercy  to  the  wandering  crew ; 
Gut,  rack  and  torture,  let  such  be  the  fate 
Of  every  rambler  who  annoys  the  state; 
With  red  hot  irons  brand  them  on  the  skin. 
So  as  you'll  know  them  if  they  beg  again ; 
And  don't  attempt  to  spare  the  other  sex, 
Whose  groans  of  pity  would  a  christian  vex. 
But  if  such  creatures  will  admit  my  creed, 
With  great  abundance  you  supply  their  need  ; 
But  be  you  sure  they  do  with  ecstacy, 
Admit  my  laws  and  my  supremacy. 
A  penal  law  she  passed  against  the  creed. 
Or  new  made  faith  with  her's  that  disagreed. 
As  some  new  doctrines  overreached  the  mark, 
And  killed  the  growth  of  every  holy  spark 
That  Bess  invented,  for  preserving  grace. 
In  her  new  creed,  they  kicked  them  out  of  place  ; 
Her  strange  compound,  as  Knox  and  others  too. 
Who  thought  her  articles  would  never  do. 
But  Bess  inclined  angelically  then, 
To  stop  the  prating  of  such  daring  men  ; 
Tlie  final  laws,  compelling  them  to  be 
In  due  submission  to  supremacy 


74 

Which  Betsy  claimed,  and  had  St.  Peter's  keys, 

As  good  credentials  to  her  satin  stays. 

They  dare  not  pout,  but  always  should  express 

That  holy  angels  had  assisted  Bess. 

The  haughty  tyrant  and  relentless  foe, 

Had  then  suggested  a  decisive  blow ; 

The  vile,  pernicious,  and  unhallowed  maid, 

Called  in  four  Bishops*  to  her  sacred  aid, 

Commissioned  them,  her  own  supremacy 

Then  to  maintain,  and  force  her  stern  decree. 

Not  Rome  alone,  but  every  purblind  owl 

That  hoots  and  halloos  for  his  neighbor's  fowl, 

Who  '11  dare  oppose,  or  preach  against  my  creed, 

You  make  him  suffer  for  the  heinous  deed ; 

If  he  '11  pursue,  and  other  creeds  abet, 

He  '11  fall  a  victim  to  this  royal  pet. 

The  Bishops  went,  and  with  a  Vandal  torch, 

Not  made  of  pine,  or  any  kindling  birch  : 

But,  stern  decrees  to  hang — not  hesitate — 

All  ranting  preachers  that  annoy  the  state. 

That  did  deny  the  Queen's  supremacy, 

Were  launched  at  once  into  eternity. 

Religion  's  a  thing  that  should  not  interfere, 

As  most  men  guard  it  with  devoted  care. 

'Tis  with  his  Maker  man  must  rise  or  fall. 

To  you  no  matter  how  he  thinks,  at  all. 

Be  this  your  aim,  and  do  maintain  it  still. 

Love  you  the  man  who  loves  his  Maker's  will, 

And  tries  to  do  it  with  affected  zeal, 

Perhaps  he  acts  as  he  does  inward  feel ; 

If  he  be  wrong,  don't  you  intend  to  force 

The  stubborn  man  into  another  course  ; 

Every  man  should  have  his  conscience  free, 

Keep  clear  your  own,  and  let  his  conscience  be  ; 

If  your  advice  he  ask,  be  you  sincere. 

Further  you  have  no  right  to  interfere. 

The  saints  of  God  were  all  the  time  in  gloom. 

And  praying  protection  for  the  Church  of  Rome ; 

*  I  suppose  the  Bishops  were  of  lier  own  consecration. 


75. 

There  was  no  safety  or  no  other  chance, 

But  either  die,  or  emigrate  to  France. 

The  Queen,  who  shook  in  a  convulsive  fit, 

Unchained  the  Hydra  in  the  lower  pit, 

Let  loose  the  lad  among  the  human  race, 

And  oft  director  in  her  royal  place. 

He  was  her  guide,  companion,  and  her  friend. 

The  damned,  infernal,  hellish,  hateful  fiend. 

Some  awful  fear  and  persecution  then. 

Destroyed,  deranged,  and  persecuted  men 

Of  wealth,  of  fame,  of  honor,  and  of  weight, 

That  left  them  dead,  or  made  them  desolate ; 

A  Queen  ferocious  with  satanic  spleen, 

Impious,  vile,  dogmatical,  and  keen. 

Displayed  no  mercy,  but  soon  filled  the  tower 

With  noted  saints  who  came  within  her  power ; 

First  she  tried  the  experimental  rack, 

And  placed  the  victim  on  his  tender  back  * 

Three  feet  beneath  the  oaken  frame,  she  bound 

Her  trembling  victim  on  the  level  ground, 

And  raised  him  then,  with  ropes  of  certain  length, 

With  great  contrivance,  and  amazing  strength, 

His  hands  and  feet  extended  to  the  frame. 

And  screwed  with  levers  to  the  very  same ; 

He  there  remained  as  if  he  were  insane. 

Without  a  drink  to  hebetate  his  pain  ; 

Then  asked  some  question  by  the  hellish  crew. 

Which  were  unsolved,  and  which  he  never  knew  ;    . 

Such  being  displeasing  to  the  wicked  den, 

The  bones  were  started  from  their  sockets  then, 

And  so  remained  emaciated  fast. 

Till  he  expired  in  agony  at  last, 

Elizabeth  and  Ireland.  - 

When  Bess  destroyed  the  saints  she  had  at  home, 
She  thought  it  prudent  then  at  once  to  come 
To  this  conclusion :  That  she  would  defile 
The  faith  and  morals  of  the  Emerald  Isle  ; 
That  bastard  Queen  sent  o'er  her  bastard  creed. 
Either  to  convert  them,  or  to  make  them  bleed ; 


76 

A  spawn  that  oozed  from  Pluto's  dark  abode, 

Each  a  devil,  but  a  pretended  God, 

All  preaching  error  in  the  strongest  tones. 

With  eyes  uplifted,  and  convulsive  groans  ; 

Strange  contortions  they  displayed,  and  wrath, 

And  clamorous  words  had  made  the  saints  to  froth ; 

They  cried  aloud  that  Betsy  had  been  Queen — 

A  saint  interior,  with  angelic  mein. 

Who  was  appointed,  from  her  heavenly  birth, 

To  hold  the  keys,  and  guide  us  all  on  earth. 

She  calls  on  sinners,  ere  they  do  miscarry 

The  spurious  daughter  of  old  wicked  Harry, 

To  join  at  once  her  own  immortal  creed, 

And  to  be  happy  that  is  all  they  need ; 

"You'll  have  peace  on  earth,  won't  be  tossed  or 

driven. 
And  after  death  you  '11  surely  go  to  heaven." 
0 !  gracious  God,  eternal,  good  and  great. 
How  could  you  leave  us  in  that  awful  state  ? 
Wayward  wanderers  in  old  age  and  youth. 
Without  a  glimpse  of  thy  eternal  truth  ; 
For  fifteen  hundred  years  we  were  astray, 
Till  Martin  Luther  had  found  out  the  way, 
Though  wicked  Harry  were  the  Engineer, 
Who  levelled  all  and  made  the  passage  clear, 
And  left  behind  a  scorpion  of  his  spawn. 
To  keep  his  keys  within  her  snowy  lawn. 
Where  are  the  saints,  or  what  has  been  their  doom, 
The  martyred  heroes  of  the  Church  of  Rome. 
Six  counties  then  were  subject  to  the  Pale, 
And  all  exertions  heretofore  did  fail. 
To  place  the  rest  in  subjugation  too. 
In  spite  of  all  that  government  could  do. 
All  Englishmen,  of  Irish  birth  indeed, 
Were  then  opposed  to  her  erronous  creed. 
She  called  a  Parliament,  but  all  did  fail. 
It  only  hurried  a  tremendous  gale ; 
Nought  could  she  do  to  mitigate  the  spleen 
That  they  had  cherished  for  the  spurious  Queen 
For  her  intrusion  on  a  holy  cause, 
By  wicked,  dreadful,  and  infernal  laws. 


77 

One  creed,  till  then,  supplied  the  human  race ; 
On  all  the  globe  there  was  no  second  place. 
One  God,  one  faith,  one  Shepherd,  and  one  fold, 
Sufficed,  till  then,  for  both  the  young  and  old  ; 
No  idle  drones  had  lived  in  whited  hives. 
Till  Harry  made  them  by  beheading  wives  ; 
Though  he  and  Edward  had  their  creeds  defined, 
Both  were  altered,  and  by  Bess  refined. 
No  wonder,  then,  the  Irish  would  refuse 
So  strange  a  creed  from  coming  into  use. 
The  gracious  Queen,  if  I  may  call  her  so, 
Used  every  art  to  aggravate  their  woe ; 
But  on  destruction  she  had  called  aloud, 
In  every  place  where  there  had  been  a  crowd. 
She  wished  herself  for  every  kind  of  gain. 
When  she  had  heard  of  each  bespangled  plain — 
Elysian  groves,  where  gods  immortal  stray. 
And  wood-nymphs  frolic  when  inclined  to  play ; 
The  purling  rills  that  there  perpetual  flow, 
And  'scenes  of  pleasure  mitigating  woe, 
Compelled  each  stranger  who  had  seen  the  land, 
Or  placed  his  foot  upon  the  golden  strand — 
To  spend  his  days  by  an  attracting  charm, 
In  Erin's  Isle,  remote  from  future  harm. 
Therefore,  I  say,  to  each  who  risks  his  life, 
Or  leaves  a  sweetheart,  mother  or  a  wife,  . 
That  verdant  lawns  or  flowery  meads  must  pay. 
This,  my  assurance,  ere  you  go  away. 
Whate'er  you  vanquish  of  that  beauteous  soil. 
Must  pay  the  soldier  for  his  daring  toil ; 
Spare  no  creature,  neither  young  nor  old, 
That  won't  my  creed  with  ecstacy  uphold. 
But,  you  proclaim  that  every  man  is  free 
Who  will  accept  of  my  supremacy ; 
Such  fine  expressions  from  a  Junior  Pope, 
Exciting  courage,  and  inspiring  hope 
In  Dennis,  Daniel,  Jimmy,  Jake,  and  Bob, 
And  every  donky,  then  to  kill  and  rob. 
All  at  once  the  cobbler  dropped  his  awl. 
And  much  astonished  at  his  sovereign's  call, 


78 

Allured  by  gain  he  thought  to  take  the  field, 

Encased  himself  within  a  specious  shield  ; 

The  tinker  too,  and  greedy  cook,  could  find 

No  rest  or  peace,  if  they  remained  behind. 

A  host  of  locusts,  ready  to  defile, 

Had  sailed  to  land  and  rob  on  Erin's  Isle. 

When  landed  there,  the  locusts  did  devour 

The  sweetest  things,  for  there  was  nothing  sour ; 

The  new-made  creed  they  preached  with  ecstacy, 

And — sure  enough — the  Queen's  supremacy. 

The  great  O'Neill  had  been  the  polar  star, 

And  Sampson's  pillar  of  the  Irish  war. 

The  haughty  Queen  had  sent  then  to  O'Neill, 

Her  crafty  Knowls,  to  see  could  he  prevail, 

With  a  proposal  from  perfidious  Bess, 

Though  guilt  and  guile  were  couched  in  her  address  ; 

Yet,  varnished  o'er  with  an  alluring  hope. 

She  meditated  nothing  but  the  rope  ; 

And  which  that  Prince  suspected  would  have  been, 

If  he  submitted  to  the  godless  Queen. 

Then  Knowls  spoke  thus  :  "  Great  chief  of  all  the 

north. 
Of  valor,  honor,  dignity  and  worth. 
My  gracious  Queen  directed  me  to  tell 
She  does  admire  you,  and  respects  you  well, 

0  !  mighty  Prince,  of  an  illustrious  race. 
And  blazing  comet  of  your  native  place ; 
And,  more  then  that,  she  will  confer  on  you 
More  titles,  honors,  riches, — and,  in  lieu. 
She  does  require  that  you  'd  submission  show, 
That  mutual  friendship  may  together  grow. 
To  your  success  directed  all  have  been. 

The  mighty  efi'orts  of  my  gracious  Queen." 
Then  spoke  the  Prince:  "How  dare  your  Queen 
insult, 

1  say  that  time  will  show  the  dire  result ; 
To  my  own  laurels  she  could  add  no  more 
Than  long  succession  has  conferr'd  before. 
Go,  tell  your  Queen  her  force  will  have  to  fly, 
Or  all  O'Neill  will  subjugate,  or  die." 


79 

The  Queen  had  known  O'Neill  would  not  give  way, 
Or  e'er  acknowledge  her  unlawful  sway, 
Or  yield  obedience  to  presumptuous  Bess, 
Who  spoke  so  feelingly  in  her  address. 
She  then  detached  a  strong,  effective  force — 
As  she  had  failed  in  every  other  course. 
And  found  that  carresses  would  not  prevail — 
Then  to  attack  the  illustrious  chief,  O'Neill. 
These  troops,  so  loyal  to  the  British  crown, 
Had  fixed  their  quarters  then  in  Derry  town, 
And  then  prepared  to  strike  the  fatal  blow, 
Would  prove  destructive  to  a  mighty  foe. 
O'Neill  at  once  determined  to  defeat 
The  vile  intruders  on  his  own  estate  ; 
Convened  his  men,  and  led  himself  the  way, 
And  proved  successful  in  the  dire  affray. 
The  foreign  foes  who  came  to  Derry  then. 
Were  nought  but  demons  in  the  shape  of  men, 
Of  the  Church  of  God  they  made  a  magazine. 
And  the  saintly  inmates*  turned  out  had  been. 
Against  this  sacrilege,  and  great  offence. 
Great  God  himself  had  taken  a  defence  ; 
And  such  poor  wretches  He  in  wisdom  taught. 
What  all  their  sins  and  wickedness  had  brought 
Upon  themselves.     Without  a  spark  or  coal, 
The  Church  exploded  and  destroyed  the  whole. 
Each  fiend  expired  that  had  been  then  unblest. 
And  the  vile  Colonelf  perished  with  the  rest. 
A  dreadful  strife  existed  then  between 
(Which  gave  advantage  to  the  godless  Queen,) 
Two  mighty  chiefs  of  high  renown  and  fame. 
Which  aided  Bess  in  her  disastrous  scheme. 
Two  noble  chiefs,  of  high  Melisian  blood, 
That  nought  polluted  since  the  direful  flood, 
Were  then  at  war,  tremendous  to  relate. 
The  spleen  impending  was  of  ancient  date. 
As  bitter  feuds  from  various  channels  flow, 
And  oft  a  friend  has  turned  out  a  foe ; 

*  Priests  and  Monks.  f  Randolph. 


-80 

O'Donnell,  aided  by  perfidious  Bess, 

Restrained  O'Neill,  and  left  him  in  distress. 

The  mighty  Prince  had  been  constrained  to  go, 

And  seek  protection  of  an  ancient  foe.* 

The  unfaithful  Scot  had  offered  him  his  aid, 

And  all  pretensions  to  protection  made  ; 

Too  soon,  alas  !  the  Scot  was  known  to  lie, 

Th'  ill-fated  Prince  he  fated  then  to  die. 

A  host  of  men  dispatched  the  Irish  chief, 

'Twixt  life  and  death  the  time  was  very  brief. 

Then,  there  fell  a  Prince  without  disgrace. 

The  best  and  bravest  of  the  human  race. 

Whose  name,  inserted  on  historic  page. 

Stands  unsullied  in  this  present  age  ; 

And  he  '11  continue  till  the  end  of  time, 

The  boast  of  Erin,  that  condemns  the  crime. 

O'Neill  no  sooner  was  considered  dead, 

Than  murderous  chiefs  had  then  cut  off  his  head, 

In  hopes  of  gain,  or  through  some  other  spleen, 

It  was  presented  to  the  godless  Queen, 

Or  to  her  deputy,  her  favorite  toy. 

Who  had  received  it  with  exceeding  joy. 

Stuck  on  a  pole  the  head  was  seen  from  thence, f 

Of  that  illustrious,  noble  Chief  and  Prince. 

How  hard,  indeed,  it  is  now  to  relate. 

That  he  had  met  with  such  untimely  fate. 

A  Prince,  descended  from  a  kingly  race, 

The  strength  and  bulwark  of  his  native  place  ; 

The  Prince  no  more,  but  in  remembrance  held 

By  every  chieftain  not  inclined  to  yield. 

*  O'Neill,  as  being  attacked  by  O'Donnell,  M'Guire,  of  Fer- 
maugh,  and  Elizabeth's  troops,  was  so  hemmed  in  that  he  sought 
protection  among  the  Scotch.  Before  this  time,  he  killed  their 
Chief  in  battle,  James  M'Donnell;  and,  secondly,  he  took  his 
brother.  Surly  Boy  M'Donnell  prisoner,  and  afterwards  gave 
him  his  liberty.  The  Scotch  were  assembled,  at  this  time,  in 
northern  Cloneboy,  under  the  command  of  Alexander  M'Don- 
nell, A.  D.  1567.  They  were  in  number  700  men,  and  to  their 
utter  shame  and  ignominy  they  dispatched  the  Chief,  and  sent 
his  head  to  Elizabeth's  deputy. 

f  In  Dublin. 


81 

Another  Chief  of  that  illustrious  race 

Had  been  selected  to  supply  his  place  ; 

The  appointed  Chief,  with  careful  plans,  did  show 

His  great  exertion  to  defeat  the  foe. 

Whilst  thus  preparing  to  renew' the  fight, 

With  force  effective,  and  redoubled  might ; 

When  thus  engaged,  a  sad  design  or  chance 

Restrained  the  Chief,  that  he  could  not  advance, 

As  he  was  shot,  which  did  the  Chieftain  maim ; 

A  casual  act,  or  some  designing  aim 

Had  then  prevented  the  unsetting  star 

To  face  the  foe,  or  carry  on  the  war. 

Till  time  restored  him  to  his  former  state, 

Vigorous,  active,  warlike,  good  and  great. 

The  Chief  appear'd,  and  willing  then  to  go 

And  face  at  once  the  vile  intriguing  foe ; 

Such  bold  designs  intimidated  all. 

As  such  denoted  their  immediate  fall. 

The  deputy  sent  his  commissioners  then, 

The  best  and  wisest  of  his  leading  men. 

To  establish  peace — obliterate  the  strife, 

And  spare  the  husband  for  the  faithful  wife; 

This  put  an  end  to  all  impending  fate, 

That  seemed  to  threaten  and  destroy  the  state. 

Thomas  Smith,  an  Englishman,  and  the  Queen's 

Counsellor, 

Avaricious  Smith,  though  having  gold  in  store, 
Seemed  discontented  without  having  more. 
He  heard  his  countrymen  were  getting  rich, 
As  more  wants  more,  and  more  is  not  too  much ; 
He  asked  the  Queen,  would  she  permission  grant, 
To  his  own  son,  that  did  permission  want, 
To  plant  himself  within  that  fairy  Isle, 
And,  like  the  rest,  to  fatten  on  the  soil. 
She  gave  consent,  and  yet  her  blessing  too, 
To  junior  Smith  and  his  advent'rous  crew: 
With  this  injunction,  to  observe  with  care 
The  Book  of  Books,  her  Book  of  Common  Praye^ 


82 

A  heavenly  guide  to  yon  celestial  vault, 

She  culled,  she  drained,  and  left  without  a  fault. 

Smith  hoisted  sail,  and  when  the  shore  espied, 

And  viewed  the  motion  of  the  rolling  tide, 

Where  singing  sirens,  dissipating  care, 

Are  seen  in  myriads  every  moment  there. 

With  flowing  tresses  of  a  golden  shade. 

Each  half  fish,  and  the  other  half  a  maid. 

Excessive  joy  had  made  him  then  to  boast 

Of  all  the  beauties  of  the  Irish  coast ; 

And  so  well  pleased,  and  so  rejoiced  was  he. 

That  with  his  bulls  he  held  a  jubilee, 

Expecting  then  to  fatten  on  the  land, 

He  jumped  with  joy  upon  the  golden  strand. 

Smith  expected,  when  he  sailed  from  Dover, 

With  all  his  bulls  to  feed  on  Irish  clover. 

But,  being  divested  of  prophetic  aid, 

He  placed  great  stress  on  what  his  Mistress  said ; 

Too  late  he  found  his  calculations  vain. 

And  soon  he  wished  he  could  return  again. 

But  then  he  found,  with  all  his  human  freight. 

That  wish  he  wished,  was  wished  for  rather  late. 

A  daring  Chieftain,  of  a  regal  line,* 

Opposed  the  bulls  with  all  their  kindred  kine. 

Repulsed,  defeated,  routed  all  the  crew. 

And  Smith,  their  leader,  the  bold  Chieftain  slew. 

He  lost  his  life  then  to  increase  his  store, 

And  found  the  blessing  Bess  bestowed  before 

Of  little  use,  as  to  increase  his  purse, 

She  gave  no  blessing  but  a  heavy  curse. 

Unhallowed  hands  uplifted  o'er  his  head, 

Sent  him  below,  and  showed  the  man  was  dead. 

I  will  give  you  an  extract  from  the  historian 
Mooney,  which  shows  the  cruelty  exercised,  by  an 
English  governor,  on  the  Catholics  ;  and  by  his  son 
as  well  as  himself.  It  is  revolting,  but  true.  He 
has  quoted  it  from  an  English  historian :  "  Francis 

^  Brian  Mac  Art  O'Neal. 


88 

Cosby,  being  appointed  governor  of  Leix,  ruled 
that  country  as  a  tyrant.  His  son,  Alexander, 
equalled  him  in  cruelty,  and  wreaked  his  vengeance 
on  inoffensive  Catholics,  for  the  hard  treatment  he 
received  from  O'Moore.  Having  convened  a  meet- 
ing of  the  principal  inhabitants,  in  the  Castle  of 
Mollach,  under  pretence  of  public  welfare^  he  had 
them  all  murdered  by  assassins  posted  there  for  the 
purpose,  violating  thereby  all  honor  and  public 
faith.  One  hundred  and  eighty  men,  of  the  family 
of  O'Moore,  with  many  others,  were  put  to  death 
upon  this  occasion.  This  cruel  and  bloody  tyrant 
took  such  delight  in  putting  Catholics  to  the  torture, 
that  he  hanged  men,  women,  and  children,  by  the 
dozen,  to  an  elm  tree  that  grew  before  his  door,  at 
Stradbally,  where  he  resided.  He  subsequently 
lost  his  life  at  the  battle  of  Glendaloch." 

Just  at  that  time,  the  Munster  men  arose. 

Who  were  no  friends,  but  very  bitter  foes. 

Fitzmauricc^  died,  the  brave  intrepid  Chief, 

Which  plunged  his  country  in  excessive  grief ; 

To  heal  her  wounds,  he  had  reclined  his  head. 

And  in  her  cause  he  fought,  he  died  and  bled. 

His  memory  lives,  not  in  oblivion's  shade. 

But  in  sound  hearts,  that  oft  for  him  have  pray'd. 

Another  Chief  supplied  the  vacant  post, 

Whose  valor  only  would  defeat  a  host ; 

He  was  appointed  for  the  enterprise. 

By  great  Fitzmaurice,  ere  he  closed  his  eyes  ; 

A  better  Chief  could  not  supply  the  place, 

Or  give  affliction  then  a  better  grace  ; 

The  Munster  heroes  then  together  stood, 

Slightly  sheltered  by  a  shady  wood ; 

The  deputy  sent  a  strong  detachment  then, 

To  force  the  Chief  and  all  his  valiant  men, 

To  quit  his  post  or  bring  them  face  to  face, 

And  try  his  courage  in  his  native  place. 

*  A  Southern,  or  Munster  man. 


84 

The  Chief  at  once  appeared  in  bright  array, 

As  if  determined  to  decide  the  fray. 

The  fearless  band  had  watched  the  guileful  stranger, 

And  seemed  regardless  of  approaching  danger. 

After  a  pause,  they  all  concluded  so — 

That  they  would  perish  or  repel  the  foe  ; 

Great  Desmond  then,  or  otherwise  the  brave, 

Said  "  Death  is  better  than  to  live  a  slave  ; 

Grasp  your  steel  and  strike  the  fatal  blow, 

Here  comes  the  haughty  and  perfidious  foe. 

Let  that  base  Queen,  who  is  a  curse  to  all, 

Hear  with  sorrow  of  their  doom  and  fall. 

Record  the  fray  that  happen'd  near  this  wood, 

We'll  wade  knee  deep,  this  day,  in  human  blood." 

His  men  then  cried,  "  We  will  maintain  the  day. 

Or  here  we  perish  ere  we  run  away." 

The  fray  commenced,  and  dreadful  was  the  hour. 

When  man  met  man,  with  a  tremendous  power. 

Plied  sword  to  sword,  with  a  directed  skill. 

And  lance  to  lance,  with  an  intent  to  kill ; 

The  first  attack  unfavorable  had  been, 

To  the  Irish  Chieftain  and  his  valiant  men, 

But  soon  reversed,  as  will  be  understood. 

By  some  conceal'd  within  the  umbrageous  wood. 

Each  as  a  lion,  bounding  from  his  lair, 

Attack'd  the  flank  and  caused  destruction  there. 

Prophetic  sounds  from  Irish  Chiefs  did  tell. 

That  Pierce  and  Herbert*  both  together  fell ; 

Heaps  of  slain  in  every  place  was  seen, 

AVith  purple  gore  and  crimson  crested  sheen. 

In  wild  despair  few  of  the  strangers  fled. 

And  left  the  rest  to  mingle  with  the  dead. 

How  oft  this  Chief  t  had  fought  in  front  and  rear. 

And  where  he  fought  there  was  destruction  there. 

*  The  Captains  of  Elizabeth's  army. 

f  Desmond,  this  place,  I  think,  has  been  the  inheritance  of  a 
branch  of  the  great  M'Carthy  family,  and  perhaps  Sir  John 
himself  has  been  a  M'Carthy  too,  but  this  1  am  not  able  to 
prove  conclusively,  and  therefore,  I  will  lot  it  remain  in 
obscurity,  until  I  will  be  able  to  elucidate  the  matter  more 
clearly. 


85 

The  fall  of  him  and  his  untimely  fate, 

I  find  distressing  to  investigate  ; 

His  foes  he  oft  subdued,  and  made  them  fly, 

Still,  after  all,  they  fated  him  to  die, 

Marked  by  vengeance  and  vicissitude, 

He  met  from  all  at  last  ingratitude. 

Compelled  to  roam,  a  friendless  Chief  was  he. 

Remote,  unknown,  alone,  his  destiny. 

Like  some  bright  moon,  can't  on  its  planet  gaze, 

When  other  bodies  intercept  the  blaze  ; 

Few  faithful  friends  accompanied  the  Chief, 

To  cheer  his  mind  and  mitigate  his  grief. 

Until  surprised  by  an  invidious  foe, 

A  spawn  ascended  from  the  pit  below ; 

The  cursed  crew  did  then  consign  to  fate. 

The  good,  the  brave,  the  noble,  and  the  great; 

To  London  bridge  the  villains  nailed  his  head, 

A  sad  example  to  disgrace  the  dead. 

The  fall  of  Desmond  caused  a  great  alarm, 

And  left  the  rest  exposed  to  every  harm. 

The  poet  Spincer  had  devised  a  plan, 

The  most  destructive  to  his  fellow  man^ 

Which  engendered  pestilence  and  woe. 

And  dreadful  famine  every  where  did  grow, 

Devouring  locusts  did  destroy  the  land. 

And  made  it  barren  without  lime  or  sand, 

The  withering  blight  communicated  then. 

By  foes,  by  strangers,  and  ungodly  men. 

With  hellish  blasts,  and  an  infernal  spleen, 

Imbrowned  the  verdure  and  defiled  the  green. 

The  L'ish,  then,  had  every  thing  to  bear. 

In  hardship's  mazes,  and  misfortune's  snare. 

An  investigation  of  the  excruciating  tortures  of 
O'Hurle,  Archbishop  of  Cashil,  which,  in  atrocity 
and  magnitude,  fall  short  of  what  had  fallen  to 
the  lot  of  others,  and  which  had  been  practiced  on 
those  of  similar  dignity,  after  falling  into  the 
hands  of  Sir  William  Drewry.  The  following  is  to 
be  found  in  O'Connell's  Memoirs,  A.  D.  1570  : — 


86 

"  O'Hurle,  Archbishop,  falling  into  the  hands  of 
Sir  William  Drewry,  was  first  tortured  by  having 
his  legs  immersed  in  jack-boots  filled  with  quick 
lime,  water,  &c.,  until  they  were  burnt  to  the  bone, 
in  order  to  force  him  to  take  the  oath  of  supremacy  ; 
and  he  was  then,  with  other  circumstances  of  bar- 
barity, executed  on  the  gallows.  As  this  martyr 
was  dyings  he  told  his  persecutor,  Drewry,  that  he 
should  meet  him  before  the  tribunal  of  Christ, 
within  ten  days;  and  it  came  to  pass  that  Drewry 
died  within  that  time,  sufi*ering  the  most  excrucia- 
ting pains." 

When  Desmond  fell,  who  was  a  towering  shield 

To  all  his  friends  in  the  contested  field. 

The  demons  then,  with  unabated  hate, — 

Too  bad  to  hold,  too  shocking  to  relate, — 

As  wolves,  determined  to  destroy  the  fold, 

They  spared  no  creature,  neither  young  nor  old, 

But  seemed  determined  to  destroy  the  grace 

And  stainless  morals  of  the  Irish  race ; 

The  better  way  to  satisfy  this  end. 

Each  fiery,  foaming,  frantic,  furious  fiend, 

Pursued  his  victim  then  to  make  him  bleed, 

Or  else  comply  with  his  obnoxious  creed. 

Composed  by  Bess  and  her  satanic  aid. 

Who  trimmed  her  lamp  until  her  creed  was  made  ; 

When  pious  Bess  had  labored  for  the  soul. 

He  was  at  hand  to  regulate  the  whole. 

Tor  what  I  say,  there  is  a  confirmation 

In  the  acid  fruit  of  England's  reformation. 

Too  late  her  creed,  for  our  salvation  wrought. 

Or  Christian  preaching  is  not  worth  a  groat ; 

If  the  ancient  faith  be  not  sincere  and  true, 

I  will  go  back  and  live  a  zealous  Jew. 

What  has  been  taught  must  have  been  taught  in  vain. 

Or  modern  humbug  will  afford  no  gain. 


8T 


Confiscations  hy  Elizabeth,,  on  a  large  scale. 

At  length  the  thirst  for  confiscation  came, 
That  branded  Bess  with  infamy  and  shame ; 
And  her  own  subjects  of  the  brighest  hue, 
That  did  through  av'rice  such  a  course  pursue. 
Desmond's  estates  were  parceled  out  for  sale, 
And  that  announced  by  every  daily  mail. 
The  Queen,  assisted  with  a  code  of  laws, 
And  being  zealous  in  the  holy  cause, 
Invited  every  nobleman  and  peer, 
To  take  possession  of  an  ample  share 
Of  the  estates  she  would  then  confiscate, 
Of  Irish  Chiefs  who  seemed  so  obdurate. 
Who  would  not  yield  to  her  adopted  creed. 
She  though  it  prudent  to  increase  their  need. 
Oppressed  with  grief,  they  were  compelled  to  roam 
In  foreign  lands,  far  from  their  native  home. 
Their  lands  and  treasures  lavished  by  the  Queen, 
And  held  by  strangers  ever  since  have  been. 
But  hark,  my  friends,  and  now  bestow  a  thought, 
Such  things  must  be  to  a  conclusion  brought ; 
This  wholesale  plunder  can't  forever  last, 
The  greatest  horrors  are  already  past. 
Wise,  worthy  Philip  was  then  King  of  Spain, 
Who  heard  with  horror  and  excessive  pain 
The  savage  freaks  and  the  infernal  spleen 
Of  the  outrageous  and  ungracious  Queen, 
Full  up  of  wrath  he  sent  then  to  defeat 
And  try  the  mettle  of  the  British  fleet. 
His  spacious  fleet,  to  counteract  her  march, 
And  watch  her  motions  by  a  strenuous  search ; 
But  a  tempestuous  and  unlucky  gale. 
Dispersed  and  shattered  almost  every  sail. 
To  this  effect,  Boreas  boisterous  blew, 
And  broke  each  mast  to  discomfit  the  crew ; 
At  Neptune's  will  did  agitate  the  deep. 
With  a  resistless  and  tempestuous  sweep, 


88 

As  if  determined  to  augment  the  pain 

And  sad  afflictions  of  the  King  of  Spain. 

The  British  fleet  had  been  in  Plymouth  then, 

Moored  and  managed  by  experienced  men  ; 

No  fear  they  felt  from  the  tremendous  roar 

Of  angry  seas,  that  lashed  the  sounding  shore. 

Safe  moored  they  lay,  secured  from  every  blast, 

Till  all  convulsions  did  subside  at  last. 

"When  calm  succeeded  the  tempestuous  gale, 

The  British  fleet  had  then  prepared  to  sail ; 

This  noble  fleet  then  sailed  in  proper  time, 

So  grand,  so  fair,  so  rare,  and  so  sublime, 

With  sails  extended  full  before  the  wind. 

She  cleft  the  main,  and  left  the  land  behind. 

The  wind  increasing  every  pufl*  and  blow, 

Brought  her  nearer  to  her  Spanish  foe. 

That  fleet,  though  languid  from  tempestuous  gales, 

Appeared  conspicuous  with  her  gallant  sails ; 

Iler  royal  colors,  trembling  in  the  breeze. 

Which  all  spectators  did  entirely  please. 

They  both  appeared  to  seek  advantage  there, 

As  both  manoeuvred  with  exceeding  care ; 

They  soon  approached,  and  a  terrific  blaze, — 

Much  too  terrific  for  the  coward's  gaze, — 

A  loud  explosion  from  the  cannon's  roar, 

Had  rendered  trem'lous  the  surrounding  shore. 

Destruction  raged,  from  ship  to  ship — they  fled, 

When  some  were  dying,  some  already  dead. 

Such  were  immersed,  and  got  a  watery  bed. 

The  groans  and  cries  of  those  who  were  to  die. 

Would  break  the  heart,  and  irrigate  the  eye. 

None  living  then  would  undertake  to  say 

What  number  fell  in  that  decisive  fray. 

The  Spanish  fleet  was  forced  to  undergo 

A  sad  defeat,  from  a  superior  foe. 

Honors  claimed  by  Englishmen  decay. 

As  Neptune  then  was  fiercer  still  than  they ; 

Inclement  skies  had  sent  them*  all  ashore. 

And  that  was  worse  than  all  they  got  before  ; 

*  Spanish  ships. 


80 

They  crowded  sail,  and  hoisted  every  sheet, 
To  help  the  sailing  of  the  Spanish  fleet ; 
When  fortune  favored,  and  the  wind  blew  fair, 
They  sought  the  Tagus  and  had  anchored  there. 

The  elements  were  very  disastrous  to  the  Span- 
ish ships,  before  their  engagement  with  the  British 
fleet.  A  convulsive  and  violent  storm  separated 
the  Spanish  fleet  before  the  engagement  took  place 
between  them.  The  Spanish  fleet  consisted  of  130 
ships,  some  of  them  of  stupendous  magnitude.  In 
the  course  of  five  days  they  had  three  difi'erent  en- 
gagements, and  after  the  defeat  of  the  Spanish 
Armada,  she  met  with  another  disastrous  calamity 
from  a  violent  storm  on  the  northern  coast  of  Ire- 
land, on  her  way  to  the  Tagus.  Many  of  the  ships 
were  driven  ashore  and  discomfitted.  Many  of  the 
sailors  of  the  shipwrecked  took  shelter  in  the  hospi- 
table Court  or  Castle  of  O'Rourk,  Prince  of  Brefi'- 
ny,  and  for  this  hospitable  reception  he  lost  his 
head.  The  English  Governor  demanded  of  O'Rourk 
to  surrender  into  his  hands  the  Spanish  sailors  who 
found  shelter  and  protection  under  the  friendly 
roof  of  his  Castle.  This  the  brave  and  noble 
Prince  refused  to  do,  and  spurned  the  demand  with 
indignation.  For  this  refusal  he  was  taken  to  Eng- 
land, tried,  condemned,  and  beheaded.  Before 
this  took  place.  Queen  Bess,  of  blessed  memory, 
detained  O'Bourk  for  some  time  in  her  Court, 
(being  a  man  of  gigantic  size,  fine  features,  and 
comely  appearance,)  for  her  nocturnal  amusement 
and  services,  as  her  constitutional  propensities  in- 
clined a  little  that  way ;  and  afterward  sent  him  to 
the  block,  as  she  did  with  the  most  of  her  favorites. 
About  this  time  O'Donnell  and  two  other  northern 
Chiefs  had  been  confined,  by  the  irrevocable  decree 
of  Elizabeth,  in  Dublin  Jail,  and  by  some  means 
eS"ected  their  escape,  and  afterwardt  proved  her 
successful  and  inveterate  enemies. 

8* 


90 

Three  mighty  Chiefs  confined  in  jail  had  been, 
By  the  injunction  of  the  spurious  Queen ; 
And  not  for  want  of  a  substantial  bail, 
That  they  remained  so  long  a  time  in  jail,* 
The  daring  Chiefs  who  had  so  callous'd  grown, 
Had  then  effected  their  escape  unknown, 
Through  a  mysterious  and  protracted  sewer. 
Where  none  attempted  to  escape  before. 
AVhen  they  went  through  the  subteraneous  pass, 
The  safe  retreat  of  slimy  eels  and  grass, 
Each  raised  his  arm  with  Herculean  might. 
And  swore  allegiance  to  maintain  his  right. 
They  soon  determined  to  attack  their  foes, 
And  try  the  strength  of  long  suspended  blows. 
O'Donnell,  then,  a  mighty  Chief  and  Prince, 
Who  was  confined,  and  did  escape  from  thence, 
Subdued  his  foes,  and  to  his  heart's  desire 
Had  been  assisted  by  the  brave  McGuire. 
Those  mighty  Chiefs,  of  an  immortal  fame. 
Had  fed,  and  nourished,  and  renewed  the  flame. 
The  Chieftains  stood  all  night  upon  their  guard, 
A  noble  Prince  and  a  respectful  Lord, 
The  firing  still  continued,  long  and  loud, 
Successive  flashes  burnished  every  cloud. 
When  day  appeared,  the  British  did  advance. 
And  thought  by  this  they'd  have  a  better  chance ; 
But  being  deceived  by  a  deceptious  dream. 
And  cheering  visions  then  to  cross  the  stream, 
By  such  a  dream  did  they  prognosticate 
The  dreadful  havoc  and  impending  fate 
Reserved  for  all  and  every  Irish  Chief; 
The  havoc  great — the  execution  brief. 
No  mercy  then,  but  dire  destruction  sought 
The  man  that  ran  as  well  as  him  who  fought. 
But,  such  wild  visions  of  delusive  glow. 
Had  made  their  graves,  and  proved  their  overthrow  ; 
As  high  in  air  they  threw  the  fatal  die, 
Whether  they  'd  conquer  or  inglorious  fly — 

*  At  tLis  time  they  were  in  confinement  during  seven  years. 


91 

The  dire  result  of  the  ill-fated  toss, 

Had  urged  the  men  the  rapid  stream  to  cross  ; 

That  day  did  fate  upon  their  actions  frown. 

The  half  got  killed,  the  other  half  did  drown. 

That  day  the  Queen  at  leisure  did  bewail 

The  warlike  actions  of  each  Irish  whale ; 

The  vicious  Queen  regretted,  during  life, 

The  sad  result  of  that  tumultuous  strife. 

Kildare  in  Leinster  animated  all. 

And  to  assist  him  leading  men  did  call. 

O'Byrne,  then,  with  an  undaunted  band, 

Had  soon  determined  to  obey  command  ; 

The  two  men  thought,  with  circumspection  then, 

(Alike  sage  Chiefs,  or  two  sagacious  men,) 

Without  delay  to  strike  the  fatal  blow, 

To  die  at  once,  or  discomfit  the  foe. 

Like  angry  wolves,  when  hunger  makes  them  bold, 

That  rush  determined  to  destroy  the  fold. 

Those  dreadful  Chiefs,  of  an  immortal  sway. 

More  fierce  than  lions  in  that  dreadful  fray, 

Drove  all  before,  made  every  passage  clear  ; 

They  had  no  caution,  for  they  knew  no  fear. 

Destruction  then  imprinted  every  blow 

On  each  invader,  and  intruding  foe. 

Till  none  was  left,  or  none  could  there  be  seen. 

Could  speak,  or  act  for  the  ungracious  Queen. 

But,  peace,  alas  !  0  !  peace,  to  my  sad  grief, 

Betw^een  the  Queen  and  each  victorious  Chief, 

Had  been  completed ;  which  the  sovereign  broke. 

And  made  for  them  a  more  ignoble  yoke. 

O'Donnell*  then  to  Connaught  found  his  way, 

And  showed  the  British  some  amusing  play  ; 

He  put  such  terror  in  intruders  there, 

For  fire  and  sword  he  carried  every  were. 

*  Bingham,  at  this  time,  being  Governor  of  the  Province  of 
Connaught,  had  exercised  such  inhuman  barbarity  on  the  Catho- 
lic inhabitants  of  that  Province,  that  he  justly  earned  for 
himself  the  execrations  of  O'Donnell  and  others,  who  had  an 
intrinsic  repugnance  to  hateful  and  diabolical  executions,  and 
undoubtedly  urged  themselves  to  carry  retaliations  to  an  un- 
charitable excess. 


92 


No  man  found  there  that  did  not  Irish  know, 
But  he  considered  an  invidious  foe, 
For  such  defects  they  all  prepared  to  fly, 
Some  had  fled,  and  some  remained  to  die. 
Such  as  had  fled  would  not  return  again, 
And  thought  it  prudent  to  forsake  their  gain, 
As  being  secure  from  terrors  seen  before, 
They  would  not  venture  to  return  no  more. 


O'Neill  created  Earl  hy  the  Queen. 

O'Neill  created  Earl  by  the  Queen, 
In  thoughtful  silence  for  some  time  had  been ; 
But,  all  at  once,  he  did  the  Queen  assail, 
Renounced  her  title,  and  assumed  O'Neill ; 
Like  some  fierce  lion,  loosened  from  his  cage, 
Resistless  bounds,  with  an  amazing  rage ; 
Or,  like  great  floods  that  make  the  mountains  roar, 
Sweep  trees,  and  rocks,  and  every  thing  before, — 
O'Neill  appeared  on  that  terrific  day, 
And  slew  his  thousands  in  the  dire  aflray. 
Just,  Hector  like,  without  a  pond'rous  shield. 
He  swept,  he  cleaned,  and  cleared  the  hostile  field. 
His  valiant  troops,  composed  of  O's  and  Mac's, 
On  hostile  foes  had  never  turned  their  backs ; 
Each  man,  though  agile  as  the  bounding  roe. 
His  honor  checked  him  from  pursuing  the  foe  ; 
On  manly  forms,  every  man  could  find 
Great  marks  before,  but  carried  none  behind. 
Such  were  his  men,  and  such  had  been  theif  fame. 
That  the  Queen  thought  proper  to  give  up  the  game. 
She  sent  for  Norris  to  allay  her  grief, 
A  bold  commander  and  a  valiant  Chief, 
With  all  the  troops  then  under  his  command, 
To  rob  and  pillage  that  ill-fated  land. 
Norris  then  in  the  Netherlands  had  been. 
And  fighting  Philip  for  the  virgin  Queen 
"Who  was  at  variance  with  the  King  of  Spain, 
Who  fought  her  hard,  and  would  fight  hard  again. 


93 

He  soon  returned  with  experienced  men, 

And  when  they  met  he  thus  addressed  the  Queen  : 

"  Great  Queen  and  sovereign  of  the  British  throne, 

AVho  seems  afflicted  by  the  great  Tyrone ; 

Believe,  great  sovereign,  my  expressions  now, 

That  he  will  soon  before  my  sovereign  bow  ; 

Now,  great  Queen,  the  day  is  nigh  at  hand, 

"When  he  '11  obey,  or  fly  his  native  land ; 

And  now,  great  Queen,  remember  what  I  say, 

But  grant  your  blessing  ere  I  go  away. 

I  know  you  keep  St.  Peter's  holy  keys. 

May  God  protect  you  and  prolong  your  days  ; 

Though  your  great  sire  had  slain  your  gracious  dam, 

She  left  behind  an  inoffensive  lamb. 

0  !  virtuous  Queen,  that's  modest,  good,  and  chaste, 
Give  me  your  blessing,  as  I  am  in  haste. 
O'Neill  I  '11  bring  unto  your  royal  throne, 

Then  use  your  pleasure  with  the  great  Tyrone.'' 

This  pleased  the  Queen,  and  with  uplifted  eyes 

Surveyed  superior  and  celestial  skies. 

Her  graceful  mien,  with  a  fine  splendid  book. 

Displayed  an  angel  with  angelic  look. 

She  made  him  kneel,  and  thus  to  him  did  say ; 

Be  you  attentive — hear  your  sovereign  pray — 

No  strenuous  foe  can  never  hurt  a  hair 

Of  your  fine  head,  when  I  recite  a  prayer. 

She  held  her  keys,  then  polished,  bright,  and  new. 

To  which  some  blacksmith  gave  a  heavenly  hue. 

With  pious  ease  she  laid  them  on  his  head. 

As  if  her  sanctity  could  raise  the  dead. 

These  keys  descended  from  my  august  sire. 

To  brother  Ned,  according  to  desire. 

1  got  them,  sir,  for  your  protection  now  ; 
Strike  your  head,*  and  make  a  heavenly  bow. 
These  Mary  spurned  with  dejected  gloom, 

Said  none  should  have  them  but  the  Pope  of  Rome ; 


*  To  strike  your  breast  would  approximate  nearer  to  devotion, 
but  our  modern  system  requires  some  preliminaries  apart  from 
the  ancient  system,  habits,  and  practice  of  Popery. 


94 

Although  His  Iloliness  my  keys  has  curs'd, 
They  're  bright  and  new,  and  destitute  of  rust. 
Not  so  by  his,  it  wont  require  a  sage 
To  tell  they  're  worn  by  excessive  age. 
To  ancient  habits  man  's  inclined  and  prone, 
And  such  is  the  rebellious  Chief  Tyrone. 
But,  fear  you  not,  engage  and  don't  despair. 
You  are  sure  to  vanquish  by  my  holy  prayer." 
Then  quite  contented  the  commander  rose. 
So  well  convinced  that  he'd  defeat  his  foes  ; 
With  buoyant  hopes  he  sought  the  fairy  Isle, 
The  ocean's  gem,  in  a  poetic  style  ; 
And  there  he  landed,  the  despotic  foe. 
With  Betsy's  blessings  settled  on  his  brow. 
The  great  Philistine,  with  a  thundering  groan, 
Defied  O'Neill,  and  Earl  of  Tyrone. 
Ere  long  that  Chief  with  his  vindictives  came, 
To  save  his  laurels,  and  support  his  fame. 
Soon  Norris  knew  he  made  a  foolish  deal. 
When  he  contended  with  the  brave  O'Neill, 
Whose  sword  had  burnished  many  a  hostile  field, 
Destroying  foes,  or  causing  them  to  yield. 
He  found,  at  once,  the  blessing  of  his  Queen 
A  small  protection  to  himself  had  been ; 
He  smote  his  breast*  in  such  excessive  grief, 
For  having  met  with  an  experienced  Chief, 
Who  for  his  help  had  multitudes  of  foes. 
And  each  knew  well  to  circulate  his  blows ; 
Each  huge  frame  looked  like  a  towering  post, 
And  the  Prince  himself  would  equalize  a  host. 
Both  Chieftains  met,  on  that  decisive  day. 
Then  to  decide  the  long  expected  fray ; 
Each  determined  not  to  quit  or  yield, 
Or  fly  inglorious  from  the  hostile  field. 
The  signal  passed,  the  warriors  soon  did  close 
To  sound  vindictive,  reciprocal  blows; 


*  When  the  horrors  of  death  and  eternity  drew  nigh,  Norris 
adhered  to  the  practice  of  Popery,  contrary  to  the  advice  of  his 
virtuous,  chaste,  and  angelic  Queen, — as  some  called  her. 


95 

The  intruders  had,  to  help  them  all  the  while, 

Some  faithless  sons  of  that  ill-fated  Isle. 

Still,  and  withal,  the  sovereign  help  was  there 

To  match  the  traitors  that  did  interfere, 

A  fatal  sword  in  each  repulsive  arm, 

With  the  intention  of  conveying  harm, 

And  that  assisted  by  a  piercing  lance, 

Had  left  no  room,  or  very  little  chance 

Then  to  escape,  or  shun  destruction's  gore; 

Some  fought,  some  bled,  some  fell  to  rise  no  more. 

One  Irish  Chief — a  foe  and  sad  disgrace 

To  all  mankind,  and  to  his  native  place — 

Segrave  by  name,  had  sought  the  leading  Chief, 

The  surest  way  to  bring  him  some  relief; 

He  wrought  so  strenuous  for  the  Chieftain's  life, 

In  that  sad,  awful,  and  terrific  strife ; 

They  met  contested  for  the  golden  fleece, 

Each  an  Ajax  in  his  native  Greece; 

They  fought  courageous  and  exceeding  well, 

Until  the  heroes  both  together  fell. 

Each  broke  his  lance,  contending  with  his  foe, 

As  then  averting  each  directed  blow. 

Then  like  a  lion  in  the  forest  shade, 

O'Neill  at  once  had  grasp'd  his  shining  blade. 

And  gave  the  foe  a  well  directed  stroke, 

Which  left  him  dead,  and  all  his  entrails  broke. 

That  fatal  blow  decided  the  debate. 

And  left  poor  Norris  in  an  awful  state. 

He  wounded  ran,  and  taking  to  his  heels. 

And  none  to  ask  him  how  his  honor  feels ; 

Then  all  contended  in  the  furious  race. 

As  being  all  covered  with  a  dire  disgrace; 

The  vile  intruders  had  inglorious  fled. 

And  left  some  hundreds*  of  their  army  dead. 

O'Neill  and  Major  Bagnall,  an  English  ofiicer, 
had  afterwards  another  battle,  which  terminated  in 
the  defeat  and  overthrow  of  Bagnal.    Though  they 
*  One  thousand  four  hundred. 


96 

were  brother-in-laws,  Bagnal  had  been  his  impla- 
cable, inveterate,  and  irreclaimable  enemy. 

O'Neill  and  Bagnal,  in  a  dread  array. 

And  each  determined  to  have  gained  the  day, 

The  brave  O'Donnell  had  assisted  then, 

With  his  gigantic  and  victorious  men, 

Being  well  encouraged  by  the  brave  M'Guire, 

"Whose  patriot  heart  was  all  a  globe  of  fire ; 

Such  men  of  might,  of  meaning,  and  of  mind. 

Though  fierce  in  battle  were  by  nature  kind  ; 

These  men  at  peace  possessed  peculiar  charms, 

The  kindest  hearts,  and  strong  indulgent  arms ; 

But  fierce  as  lions,  if  enraged,  they  fought, 

Devoid  of  malice  or  ignoble  thought ; 

They  fought  their  foes  courageously  and  brave. 

And  never  killed  a  man  that  they  could  save. 

The  retreating  foe  that  walked  would  save  his  life. 

As  his  submission  ended  all  the  strife  ; 

No  man  pursued,  his  honor  was  so  great, 

But  left  the  vanquished  to  his  future  fate. 

Such  inconsistent  with  their  foes  had  been. 

They  spared  no  age  to  satisfy  their  spleen. 

O'Neill  and  Bagnal  often  fought  before. 

And  now  prepared  to  ulcerate  the  sore. 

Between  two  plains  protected  by  a  wood 

Of  lofty  oaks,  that  on  one  side  had  stood ; 

On  the  one  side  a  bog  did  interfere. 

To  shield  the  army  that  had  sheltered  there ; 

Each  Chief  was  seen  on  a  capricious  steed, 

That  seemed  not  tired  or  destitute  of  speed  ; 

Both  examined  how  their  lines  appeared. 

Addressed  their  men  and  every  man  had  cheered. 

O'Neill  said  thus  ;  "  My  valiant  friends,  you're  now 

Face  to  face  to  a  rebellious  foe  ; 

Inspired  by  pride  and  a  perfidious  Queen, 

Our  wives,  our  children,  and  ourselves  have  been 

Disdained,  destroyed,  disperseil,  without  a  home. 

Some  left  to  rot  without  a  grave  or  tomb  ; 


97 

Some  daring  Chiefs  of  pure  Milesian  blood, 

For  having  that  rapacious  Queen  withstood, 

Are  now  confined  within  a  loathsome  jail, 

This  day  relieves  them  or  our  efforts  fail. 

Will  that  inspire  jou  to  defeat  your  foes, 

Now  show   your   strength   by   sparing   not  your 

blows." 
Each  Herald  cried,  "  we'll  give  substantial  bail. 
This  day  we  free  them  from  that  loathsome  jail." 
Enough  was  said,  the  Chief  had  then  replied, 
*'  Come  on   my  friends,  we'll  have  their  courage 

tried, 
This  day,  my  heralds,  you'll  victorious  be, 
And  hence  declare  that  all  the  country's  free ; 
Push  on,  my  heroes,  and  commence  the  fray, 
And  be  you  certain  that  you'll  gain  the  day. 
The  fray  commenced,  and  Bagnal  made  a  stand, 
To  mar  the  rage  of  an  undaunted  band. 
The  dreadful  clash  of  edged,  destructive  arms, 
Had  robbed  the  scene  of  its  delicious  charms ; 
Like  hurricanes  that  lofty  mountains  tear, 
When  adverse  winds  do  agitate  the  air, 
Or  like  a  sea  when  violent  surges  roar, 
And  waste  their  rage  on  the  insulted  shore ; 
The  Irish  heralds,  with  resistless  force, 
Had  made  a  level  on  their  onward  course. 
Five  thousand  fell ;  the  rest,  affrighted,  fled  ; 
And  Bagnal,  too,  was  numbered  with  the  dead. 
His  leadina;  men  lay  bleeding  in  their  gore, 
Whose  loud  pretensions  were  distinct  before. 
A  ghastly  sight,  and  destitute  of  breath. 
Each  warrior  lay  unconscious  of  his  death. 
This  fatal  stroke,  decisive  and  designed. 
Deranged  the  temper,  and  destroyed  the  mind 
Of  spurious  Bess,  which  made  her  then  to  cease, 
And  make  concessions  for  a  future  peace. 
This  late  defeat  aroused  each  Munster  Chief, 
For  nothing  else  could  mitigate  their  grief, 
But  the  defeat  of  an  invidious  foe. 
Her  final  ruin,  and  final  overthrow,     [1599.] 
9    . 


98 

They  soon  collected  an  effectual  force, 

And  found  a  ChieP  to  regulate  their  course, 

A  Chieff  invited  then  0 "Moore  afar, 

To  share  the  laurels  of  approaching  war  ; 

Who  was  in  search  of  the  inhuman  breed, 

That  curs'd  the  earth  with  their  polluting  creed. 

O'Moore  consulted  with  O'Neill  to  know, 

If  it  were  prudent  for  himself  to  go — 

To  aid  the  Chiefs  and  strengthen  all  their  plans, 

As  they  collected  some  effective  clans. 

And  act  conspicuous  in  the  common  cause, 

Against  the  Queen  and  her  obnoxious  laws  ; 

O'Neill  consenting,  he  did  then  prepare. 

In  weal  or  woe  with  Munster  Chiefs  to  share. 

Such  men  combined  would  give  a  final  blow 

To  the  vile,  malignant,  and  perfidious  foe, 

O'Moore  repaired,  to  their  assistance  came, 

The  blazing  comet  of  undying  fame, 

Like  wolves  ferocious  in  pursuit  of  deer, 

When  hunger  drives  them  destitute  of  fear, 

The  Munster  knights,  together  with  O'Moore, 

Each  vile  transgressor  and  imported  boor 

Had  put  to  flight — precipitately — fast. 

They  ran  indeed  whene'er  the  die  was  cast ; 

Their  ill-got  gain  they  had  to  leave  behind. 

The  common  lot  of  the  aggressive  kind.  .^ 

The  Connaught  heralds  were  victorious  too. 

They  chased,  they  harrassed,  and  pursued  the  crew  ; 

They  hunted,  haunted,  and  pursued  with  spleen 

The  heartless  robbers  of  the  godless  Queen. 

This  misfortune  soon  had  reached  the  throne, 

Which  made  chaste  Bess  to  alter  then  her  tone. 

But  she  determined  to  relieve  her  state. 

And  try  again  the  sad  decrees  of  fate. 

She  ordered  EssexJ  then  to  sail  across, 

And  to  retrieve  her  sad  amazing  loss ; 

*  Fitzgerald,  to  whom  they  gave  the  title  of  Earl  of  Desmond, 
+  Peter  De  Lacy,  a  Limerick  nobleman. 
J  Robert  De  Evereux,  Earl  of  Essex,  with  17,000  men,  and 
8000  horse,  sailed  in  the  latter  end  of  March,  1599,  and  landed 


99 

To  make  proud  rebels  their  defence  deplore, 
And  act  repugnant  to  their  acts. before. 
A  sad  misfortune  he  was  doomed  to  meet, 
By  the  dispersion  of  his  spacious  fleet ; 
As  adverse  winds  were  sent  to  intercede, 
And  all  his  actions  strove  to  supercede  ; 
Some  ships  were  lost,  the  sailors  could  not  save. 
And  daring  men  had  found  a  watery  grave. 
But,  still,  he  landed  on  the  golden  strand, 
Long  since  polluted  by  the  stranger's  brand. 
Being  then  invested  with  supreme  command. 
O'er  once  that  happy,  but  ill  fated  land, 
He  marched  to  Munster,  to  subdue  with  blows. 
His  fierce,  offensive,  and  rebellious  foes. 
When  on  his  march,  O'Moore  fell  on  his  rear. 
And  him  attacked  without  the  least  despair ; 
And  with  five  hundred  men  destruction  wrough, 
On  Essex's  troops,  the  Queen  had  dearly  bought. 
The  defile's  called,  wherein  they  had  the  fray. 
The  "Pass  of  Plumes"  unto  this  very  day. 
Though  being  harrassed  by  an  inferior  force, 
He  seemed  determined  to  protect  his  course. 
In  spite  of  all  the  opposing  foe  could  do, 
Fame  he  would  win,  and  won,  he'd  wear  it  too  ; 
But  soon  he  found  his  calculations  vain, 
And  if  he  could,  he  would  return  again. 
The  Munster  Chiefs  had  soon  his  valor  tried. 
And  soon  they  humbled  his  affected  pride. 
There  that  bold  Chief,  the  great  M'Carthy  More, 
Whose  warlike  actions  were  renowned  before. 
Had  soon  appeared  to  intercept  his  way, 
And  clip  the  wings  of  the  ambitious  jay. 
The  Earl  of  Desmond,  on  the  other  side, 
Was  seen  determined  to  allay  his  pride  ; 
And  all  the  force  these  leaders  had  to  aid, 
Had  been  two  thousand,  of  superior  grade. 

in  Dublin  on  the  15th  of  April.  This  young  nobleman  had  been 
Elizabeth's  chief  favorite,  although  she  tarnished  him  with  dis- 
grace, and  afterwards  sent  him  to  the  block.  This  ferocious, 
lustful,  and  barbarous  woman,  consigned  her  chief  favorite  to 
this  fatal  conclusion,  as  she  did  all  her  other  admirers. 


100 

Then  Essex  halted,  and  in  great  array 

His  men  had  formed  to  commence  the  fray. 

As  having  then  a  strong,  superior  force, 

He  thought  that  nothing  could  impede  his  course. 

Of  all  the  battles  had  been  fought  before, 

By  haughty  Essex  or  M'Carthy  More, 

This  seemed  more  dreadful,  and  did  longer  last, 

Before  that  Essex  was  entirely  cast. 

For  nine  long  hours,  with  unabated  rage, 

The  Chiefs  contended  on  the  warlike  stage. 

The  Munster  Chiefs  would  rather  die  than  flee. 

Or  yield  an  inch  to  his  supremacy. 

They  fought  like  men  who  were  prepared  to  die, 

And,  strange  to  think,  they  made  the  foe  to  fly. 

They  ran,  unmindful  of  the  number  dead, 

And  left  them  sleeping  in  their  goary  bed. 

About  this  time,  O'Moore  defeated  too 

A  noble  brag,*  and  his  invidious  crew. 

His  number  few,  but  had  been  often  tried. 

They  would  have  conquered,  or  they  would  have 

died. 
Twelve  hundred  fell,  the  rest  had  madly  fled. 
As  each  seemed  anxious  to  preserve  his  head. 
Though  Irish  steel,  with  some  fantastic  pranks, 
Oft  left  the  Queen  attenuated  ranks. 
Yet  she  would  still  the  Irish  Chiefs  defy. 
Would  purchase  more,  and  all  the  loss  supply. 
Great  Essex,  then,  to  Ulster  ^ent  his  course. 
With  little  heart,  and  very  little  force. 
To  the  Queen  he  wrote,  describing  his  distress, 
Which  seemed  displeasing  to  his  darling  Bess  ; 
Sooner  than  miscarry,  she  sent  him  aid. 
And,  he  withal,  had  very  well  been  paid. 
His  scattered  troops,  auxiliaries  and  all. 
Rushed  to  the  standard  at  the  trumpet's  call. 
A  Sligo  Chief,t  of  an  illustrious  race, 
A  noted  villain,  and  a  dire  disgrace ; 
A  vile,  determined,  and  opposing  fiend. 
Aided  Bess,  and  spurned  his  nearest  friend. 
*  General  Harrington.  f  O'Connor  Don. 


101 

He  scour'd  all  Sligo,  with  malignant  aim, 

With  horse  and  foot,  to  vindicate  the  fame 

Of  British  troops,  in  their  adventurous  speed 

Against  his  friends,  his  country,  and  his  creed ; 

He  seemed  determined  to  pursue  his  course 

Against  O'Donnell  and  his  warlike  force. 

More  Irish  Chiefs  assisted  in  the  chase. 

And  had  been  punished  to  their  own  disgrace. 

But  Brave  O'Donnell,  who  had  weighed  the  cause, 

And  viewed  contemptuously  the  British  laws, 

An  eagle-like,  was  poised,  then  to  subdue 

The  horrid,  haughty,  and  vindictive  crew. 

And  when  he  did,  as  I  will  now  relate. 

To  their  own  cost,  as  if  decreed  by  fate ; 

Clifford,*  a  daring,  gasgonading  bull. 

Whose  soul  was  teeming,  and  whose  head  was  full 

Of  English  pride,  had  forced  his  way  to  Boyle, 

With  great  exertions  and  egregious  toil. 

This  potent  man,  oh  1  what  would  he  not  do, 

He  had  his  bulls,  and  had  his  Irish  too. 

In  a  mountain  pass  O'Donnell  watched  his  march. 

To  stand  his  collar  with  Peruvian  starch. f 

He  sent  two  Chiefs  of  the  Milesian  race  • 

To  Sligo  then,  as  to  protect  the  place. 

Their  force  consisted  of  four  hundred  men. 

But  Irishmen  were  purely  Irish  then  ; 

No  foreign  mongrels  did  pollute  the  blood, 

Or  soil  the  current  of  the  Milesian  flood. 

The  men  were  brave,  were  active,  and  were  trained. 

They  lost  no  battles  but  they  always  gained. 

There  was  no  nation,  man  to  man,  could  face 

The  Irish  Chiefs  of  that  devoted  race  ; 

Nor  will  I  boast,  but  venture  yet  to  say, 

There  is  none  living  at  this  present  day. 

O'Donnell  heard  of  Clifford's  movements,  then. 

And  sent  three  ChiefsJ  to  intercept  his  men ; 

*  Cliflford,  at  this  time,  had  been  Governor  of  Connaught. 

t  Blood. 

I  Owen  McSweeny,  and  two  of  the  O'Gallaghers. 

9* 


These  were  assisted  by  six  hundred  knights, 

Who  fought  for  self  and  undisputed  rights. 

Clifford  came  with  a  prodigious  force, 

And  thought  that  nothing  could  retard  his  course : 

Eut  fate  had  said, — "  No  further  shalt  thou  go, 

Here  lies  a  friend,  but  your  immortal  foe ; 

The  die  is  cast,  and  you  have  need  to  fear 

You'll  fall  a  victim  to  O'Donnell  here." 

O'Donnell  stood,  the  lion  of  the  fold, 

"With  sword  in  hand,  tremendous  to  behold, 

He  had  with  him  the  Prince  of  Enishoen,* 

A  valiant  Chieftain  whom  he  called  his  own  ; 

He  was  a  tiger,  unrestrained  by  fear, 

That  swept  the  plain  with  his  resistless  spear. 

The  armies  met,  then  to  decide  the  day, 

And  put  an  end  to  the  disastrous  fray. 

The  battle  raged  like  a  rebellious  storm, 

Whose  furious  force  had  meditated  harm  ; 

Both  sides  contending  for  immortal  sway. 

Thought  not  of  death,  but  how  to  win  the  day ; 

Each  side  sustained  the  least  advantage  gained, 

Nor  could  that  boast  of  what  it  had  obtained, — 

Till,  of  a  sudden,  brave  O'Rourk  was  seen, 

With  a  small  army  of  effective  men. 

Approaching  fast  the  desolating  strife 

Where  many  a  hero  sacrificed  his  life. 

When  Clifford  saw  O'Rourk,  swift  as  a  hind 

He  ran  himself,  and  left  the  rest  behind. 

The  rout  commenced,  destruction  did  his  share, 

And  they  were  hunted  like  the  timid  hare. 

A  host  of  men  enjoyed  eternal  rest. 

Still  lifeless  lay,  unheeded  and  undressed. 

Not  much  resigned  the  Queen  had  borne  her  cross, 

Yet  she  had  money  to  supply  the  loss. 

This  last  defeat  destroyed  the  brilliant  glow 

That  cheer'd  the  murderous  and  audacious  foe ; 

Among  the  slain,  great  Clifford,  on  that  day, 

A  lifeless,  useless,  worthless  lump  of  clay, 

*  0 'Dougherty. 


103 

Had  been  found ;  and  everything  had  fled, 
But  marks  exterior  that  denote  the  dead. 
And  Ratcliff*  lay  as  lifeless,  by  his  side. 
Still,  calm,  defenceless,  destitute  of  pride, 
Some  Irish  Chief  had  struck  the  fearful  blow, 
And  left  to  bleach  for  evermore  the  foe. 
The  Earl  then  had  disconcerted  been, 
And  feared  the  vengeance  of  an  angry  Queen. 
But  his  dear  friend  had  sent  him  a  supply, 
To  fill  the  place  of  those  who  had  to  die  ; 
To  trust  again  to  Providence  or  chance. 
Before  a  succor  would  arrive  from  France. 
She  sent  him  word  to  try  the  game  again, 
And  use  more  caution  to  preserve  his  men ; 
Attack  O'Neill,  and  give  that  Prince  his  meed. 
Who  seems  determined  to  retard  your  speed. 
Essex  marched  with  an  eifective  force, 
And  towards  Ulster  he  had  bent  his  course. 
O'Neill,  aware  that  he  had  left  the  south. 
And  pitched  his  quarters  in  the  town  of  Louth ; 
He  then  awaited  the  approaching  foe, 
Experience  taught  him  to  avert  the  blow. 
The  foe  appeared,  and  made  a  great  display, 
With  fife,  and  drum,  and  every  loud  huzza. 
This  glee  decayed  when  he  had  known  that  day, 
The  Prince  determined  to  dispute  the  way. 
The  coward  crouched,  concession  was  his  aim, 
As  Ijnowing  the  Prince  by  his  extensive  fame ; 
He  sent  a  herald,  then,  demanding  peace. 
And  let  their  battles  for  the  future  cease. 
O'Neill  consented,  he  would  come  and  say, 
His  master's  will,  the  gasgonading  jay, 
"  To  offer  peace  I  came — not  as  a  foe" 
The  herald  cried,  "  the  case  indeed  is  so. 
He  grants  you  Prince  in  every  way  applause. 
Although  you're  foremost  in  your  country's  cause, 
In  these  two  lines  he  does  his  wish  declare. 
Comply  O'Neill,  and  I'll  not  interfere." 

*  A  young  English  nobleman. 


104 

When  e'er  O'Neill  his  sentiments  had  read, 

He  put  himself  in  attitude  and  said  : 

*'  Go  tell  your  Chief  that  I  will  not  comply, 

Upon  my  honor,  I  would  sooner  die 

A  thousand  times,  if  such  a  thing  could  be, 

Than  yield  an  inch  to  impious  tyranny ; 

What  right  has  he  to  interfere  at  all, 

But  being  obedient  to  his  sovereign's  call? 

What  right  has  she  to  send  a  murd'rous  host 

Of  vile  intruders,  to  pollute  our  coast? 

She  has  no  right,  and  I  will  her  oppose, 

And  die  contented,  or  defeat  our  foes." 

Back  he  went,  then  to  recite  the  tale 

He  heard  related  by  the  great  O'Neill. 

When  Essex  heard,  as  to  appease  the  foe 

He  sent  another  to  avert  the  blow ; 

Whose  bad  success,  and  the  rebuff  he  met, 

Plad  been  the  cause  of  very  much  regret ; 

When  both  had  failed,  and  both  could  nothing  do 

He  went  himself  to  try  the  matter  too  ; 

The  viceroy  did  dismiss  his  army  then, 

With  the  exception  of  selected  men 

Who  went  as  aids — not  to  resist  Tyrone, 

As  he  could  venture  then  to  go  alone, 

Full  well  he  knew  no  counterfeit  was  he. 

But  the  pure  gem  of  great  nobility  ; 

Who  never  did  a  mean  advantage  take 

Of  any  foe,  when  honor  was  at  stake.  • 

The  nobles  met,  and  had  an  interview; 

I'll  tell  the  whole  without  a  fiction  too ; 

They  met  together,  in  the  open  air, 

As  if  no  guile  could  be  suspected  there ; 

Then  Essex  said,  "  My  brave  and  noble  Prince, 

I  came  to  see  you, — not  to  give  offence ; 

I  have  approached  to  give  you  no  surprise ; 

Now,  hear  me,  Prince,  I  want  to  compromise. 

My  Father,  Prince,  had  been  your  greatest  friend, 

You'll  find  that  friendship  in  his  son,  depend; 

Let  us  conclude  an  armistice  this  day, 

And  quell  the  horrors  of  a  frightful  fray." 


105 

The  Prince  no  longer  could  resist  the  Chief, 

But  spoke,  as  thus,  to  mitigate  his  grief : 

"  Let  us  conclude  an  armistice  or  truce, 

If  you  now  think  it  be  of  any  use." 

They  both  agreed  to  have  dissensions  cease, 

And  live  a  while*  in  harmony  and  peace. 

Tor  this  one  act  of  cowardice  and  fear 

He  was  recalled ;  and,  terrible  to  hear, 

Though  being  the  darling  of  her  favorites  all, 

Her  former  friendship  was  turned  into  gall ; 

The  noble  Chief  a  sacrifice  was  made, 

To  cool  the  anger  of  a  lustful  jade. 

I  may  relate,  and  sure  enough  'tis  said. 

As  to  appease  her  he  had  lost  his  head. 

Alas  !  'tis  true,  a  woman's  love  don't  last, 

She  soon  forgets  the  jolly  hours  that  past ; 

When  faithless  woman  will  forget  her  love, 

And  let  her  fancy  search  the  human  grove. 

Why  then  depend  upon  a  godless  Queen, 

Whose  only  traffic  was  exchanging  men ; 

Who  had  no  mercy,  or  no  tender  place 

Within  her  breast,  to  love  the  human  race. 

When  Essex  left,  two  Spanish  ships  appeared, 

And  by  their  course  for  Erin's  coast  had  steered. 

The  Spanish  King  had  sent  them  to  O'Neill, 

With  warlike  stores  to  weather  out  the  gale. 

The  Prince,  displeased  at  such  a  long  delay. 

Had  asked  the  Captain  in  his  usual  way, 

Quite  void  of  haste,  when  he  did  come  ashore. 

What  had  delayed  him — why  not  come  before  ? 

Or  was  that  all  the  succour  he  would  bring. 

Of  all  intended  by  his  gracious  King  ? 

The  Captain  said  :  "  The  King  had  heard  that  peace 

Had  been  proclaimed,  and  every  strife  did  cease. 

Of  hostile  nature,  that  created  woe 

Between  the  Prince  and  his  immortal  foe. 

*  When  O'Neill  and  Essex  made  the  armistice,  either  side  had 
been  at  liberty  to  commence  hostilities  again  after  the  expira- 
tion of  fourteen  days. 


106 

The  rest,  be  sure,  these  ships  will  soon  succeed, 

With  strenuous  efforts,  and  the  greatest  speed ; 

Renew  your  efforts,  and  your  post  maintain, 

And,  Prince,  depend  upon  the  King*  of  Spain." 

When  this  was  said  the  Prince  had  grasped  his  blade, 

But,  to  fulfil  the  stipulations  made. 

He  then  proclaimed  that  he  would  never  yield, 

But  risk  the  hazards  of  the  hostile  field ; 

And  during  life  he  would  continue  so, 

To  give  no  peace  to  an  invidious  foe, 

Unless  vile  men,  of  an  unholy  race. 

Will  quit  our  soil,  and  not  pollute  the  place. 

Philip  the  Second,  King  of  Spain,  had  died. 

Ere  Tyrone  another  game  had  tried. 

He  suffered  nothing  by  the  fatal  stroke, 

As  his  good  brother  had  put  on  the  yoke ; 

He  sent  too  legates  with  the  richest  crown 

Of  Phoenix  feathers,  for  his  great  renown. 

To  the  Ulster  Prince,  for  his  superior  sway 

In  every  action  and  decisive  fray ; 

He  sent  him  gold,  and  kegs  of  silver  too. 

To  brave  the  fury  of  a  daring  crew, 

With  an  assurance  of  a  future  aid, 

To  have  men  clothed,  and  the  troops  well  paid ; 

By  these  directions.  Prince,  you  may  abide. 

Be  sure  that  nothing  I  intend  to  hide. 

This  was  consoling  to  the  great  Tyrone, 

Who  spent  the  treasure  he  could  call  his  own ; 

Like  that  bright  star  that  shines  in  yonder  sky. 

When  dimmer  stars  make  revolutions  nigh; 

Tyrone  was  seen  alike  that  radiant  star, 

A  blazing  comet  to  sustain  the  war ; 

In  bright  array,  unmindful  of  his  life, 

He  grasped  the  sword  then  to  renew  the  strife. 

The  blazing  comet  marched  through  Leinster,  then. 

With  a  small  forcef  of  brave,  effective  men ; 

♦  Philip  n. 

f  His  force  consisted  of  7,000  footmen,  and  sorae  horsemen ; 
a  small  army  to  keep  the  English  in  subjection,  and  within 
their  garrison.     A.  D.  1600. 


107 

He  came  to  Munster  to  solicit  aid, 

And  had  a  union  for  that  purpose  made ; 

He  then  consulted  with  the  Mac's  and  O's, 

On  some  grand  purpose  to  defeat  their  foes. 

He  had  with  him  a  small  compendious  brief — 

The  Pope  had  sent  him  to  arouse  each  chief. 

As  the  Pope  annulled  the  power  of  pious  Bess, 

In  some  great  bull  or  spiritual  address, 

The  vile,  degraded,  and  ungracious  get, 

Denounces  good,  and  evil  does  abet ; 

Each  Chief  unwilling  to  combine  with  him. 

He  had  subdued  for  his  fantastic  whim, 

With  a  revengeful  and  excessive  haste, 

Reduced  his  effects  to  a  perfect  waste; 

All  for  fear  that  his  immortal  foe 

Would  come  the  way  to  strike  the  fearful  blow, 

Would  be  provided  with  the  least  supply ; 

Such  made  him  cast  the  perishable  die ; 

And  if  he  came  on  a  rebellious  tour. 

To  have  no  means  there  left  within  his  power. 

During  this  time  hostilities  did  cease, 

And  every  part  had  indicated  peace. 

The  English  then  had  made  no  great  display, 

But  like  the  rabbits  of  a  hunting  day 

Within  their  burrows  they  continued  still, 

Without  a  heart  to  try  their  tactic  skill, 

W^'ith  the  exception  of  a  single  act. 

Though  strange  it  be,  indeed  it  is  a  fact. 

The  great  McGuire  commanded  for  O'Neill, 

His  cavalry,  whose  hearts  were  made  of  steel. 

Had  strayed  amusingly  to  take  the  air ; 

A  pious  priest  and  others  too*  were  there. 

Some  distance  from  the  camp  they  met  the  foe. 

Whose  fate  they  sought,  and  direful  overthrow. 

St.  Leger,  then,  with  an  effectual  force. 

Had  blocked  the  passage  to  impede  their  course. 


*  McGuire  had  only  two  men  and  the  priest  in  company  with 
him. 


108 

McGuire*  at  once,  who  rode  a  gallant  steed, 

As  if  determined  to  commit  the  deed, 

Rode  through  the  whole,  with  a  destructive  lance. 

St.  Legerf  saw  the  noble  Chief  advance, 

And  shot  at  him,  and  mortal  was  his  aim ! 

But  McGuire,  to  immortalize  his  name, 

With  his  great  sword,  without  a  second  clew, 

Had  cleft  his  helmet  and  his  head  in  two. 

St.  Leger  died,  and  left  this  world  of  woe, 

God  only  knows  where  did  his  spirit  go. 

McGuire  expired,  a  much  lamented  Chief, 

Whose  death  excited  universal  grief. 

'Twas  Ormond  then  commanded  for  the  Queen, 

So  full  of  malice  and  of  English  spleen. 

O'Moore  he  sent  for  the  undaunted  Gem, 

So  as  to  have  a  conference  with  him. 

O'Moore  arrived,  he  wanted  to  be  brief, 

In  words  respectful  he  addressed  the  Chief; 

But  haughty  Ormond,  with  exterior  pride, 

By  safe  admissions  he  would  not  abide ; 

Therefore  the  Chiefs  to  no  conclusion  came. 

But  had  a  tendency  to  excite  the  flame. 

Among  the  number  that  attended  there, 

A  Jesuit  Priest  was  known  to  interfere. 

Who  had  subverted  the  obnoxious  course, 

Of  Ormond's  creed  he  thought  then  to  enforce. 

He  said  old  Harry  honied  all  his  hives, 

Without  compunction  by  beheading  wives. 

He  was  the  founder,  dreadful  to  relate, 

Of  a  sad  creed  that  rather  came  too  late. 

Ormond  then  revealed  to  him  his  doom. 

And  all  the  horrors  of  the  Church  of  Rome. 

On  wanton  words  he  rather  made  a  feast. 

And  much  insulted  the  assiduous  Priest. 

O'Moore  no  longer  could  conceal  his  ire. 

His  soul  was  full  of  agonizing  fire. 

He  dragged  the  monster  to  the  very  earth, 

And  quite  regardless  of  his  lordly  birth. 

*  McGuire,  Prince  of  Farmanah. 

f  St.  Leger  had  with  him  sixty  mounted  men. 


109 

The  fray  commenced,  and  mutual  were  the  blows, 

Not  of  friends,  but  of  immortal  foes. 

Some  English  fell,  some  met  a  sad  defeat, 

'Tis  not  a  fiction  that  I  now  relate. 

The  nobles  fled,  their  horses  were  so  fleet. 

As  no  dependence  had  in  human  feet. 

They  fled  for  life,  contested  was  the  chase, 

And  saved  themselves  by  a  successful  race. 

O'Neill  had  Ulster  under  his  command, 

And  all  men  answered  to  his  just  demand. 

The  British  troops  each  fortified  port 

Had  in  possession  for  their  own  resort. 

And  out  of  which  they  would  not  dare  to  go. 

For  fear  of  meeting  with  an  active  foe. 

Montjoy  received  a  power  of  men  and  means, 

In  hopes  to  wash  his  cowardice  and  stains. 

The  deputy  wrote,  and  not  in  ire  or  heat, 

In  the  name  of  Bess  and  Council  of  the  State, 

To  great  O'Neill  who  surely  was  aware, 

Though  tinseled  o'er  with  meretricious  glare 

Of  his  foul  breath,  and  his  intrinsic  gall, 

Just  as  the  tide  would  either  rise  or  fall, 

The  worst  of  times  till  better  times  succeed. 

Then  he  was  sure  to  break  his  word  indeed ; 

Who  would  depend  upon  his  plighted  word  ? 

None,  I  am  sure,  the  thing  would  be  absurd. 

He  wanted  peace,  he'd  make  amends  for  all, 

The  sum  presented,  he'd  attend  the  call. 

Such  swelling  words  with  no  intent  to  pay, 

Is  like  the  warbling  of  the  gaudy  jay. 

O'Neal  declined  and  would  not  then  comply, 

For  on  his  word  Tyrone  could  not  rely ; 

A  word  or  honor  could  be  never  found. 

True,  substantial,  unchangeable  or  sound. 

With  Englishmen,*  but  would  advantage  take. 

To  raise  themselves,  the  plighted  word  they'd  break. 

For  want  of  force  he  thought  must  be  the  cause 

Of  making  peace  and  violating  laws ; 

*  Not  the  mass,  but  the  government  party. 
10 


110 

And  he  expected  great  assistance  then, 

Of  warlike  stores,  amunition  and  men, 

From  royal  Philip,  to  support  the  war, 

This  made  him  higher  than  the  polar  star. 

Why  should  he  yield  to  overtures  of  peace, 

Or  let  hostilities  a  moment  cease. 

Montjoy  defeated  and  rejected  too, 

Which  made  him  think  of  what  he  had  to  do. 

By  his  directions  all  the  naval  force, 

With  sails  extended,  steered  a  liquid  course. 

And  sought  Loughfoyle,  the  place  of  rendezvous, 

To  act  in  union  with  the  army  too. 

Five  thousand  foot  had  been  on  board  the  fleet, 

And  three  of  horse  the  other  force  to  meet ; 

With  such  a  force  Montjoy  expected  then, 

O'Neill  to  conquer,  and  his  daring  men ; 

Or  make  Tyrone  without  a  doubt  to  yield, 

And  cease  his  struggles  in  a  hostile  field. 

He  lost  his  reason  through  excessive  glee. 

Such  foolish  dreams  of  victory  had  he. 

O'Neill  informed  of  his  great  design. 

To  all  his  Chiefs  the  matter  did  resign ; 

They  all  determined  on  what  course  to  take, 

And  pull  together  without  a  mistake. 

It  was  agreed  as  to  abridge  the  toil. 

To  send  O'Donnell  to  defend  Loughfoyle. 

A  garrison  stood  convenient  to  the  lake, 

That  there  the  shipping  could  advantage  take, 

And  let  O'Neill  attack  the  great  Montjoy, 

The  warlike  Hector  of  the  siege  of  Troy. 

Some  Irishmen,  or  a  detachment  met, 

And  for  that  purpose  perhaps  they  were  set. 

To  watch  each  heavy  and  approaching  train. 

And  bulky  baggage  of  the  British  Queen. 

The  parties  met,  destruction  soon  displayed 

Some  ruby  liquid  by  the  Irish  blade ; 

The  guard  defeated,  and  was  forced  to  fly, 

'Twas  better  to  do  so,  than  remain  and  die. 

Then  many  a  hero  had  been  dyed  with  gore, 

And  many  fell,  but  fell  to  rise  no  more. 


Ill 

When  fortune  changed,  and  she  had  proved  unkind, 

Montjoy  had  fled,  and  left  them  all  behind. 

O'Moore  had  still  his  prisoner  in  jail, 

And  there  remained  impervious  from  bail. 

If  not  in  jail  a  captive  he  had  been. 

Full  fed,  attended  like  all  noble  men. 

His  lady  was  in  agony  and  grief, 

For  the  detention  of  her  noble  Chief; 

She  oft  had  written  to  the  great  O'Neill, 

That  she  herself  would  be  her  Ormond's  bail. 

As  Irish  hearts  are  tender,  kind,  and  true, 

And  feel  attachment  for  the  ladies  too, 

He  wrote  her  back,  to  palliate  her  grief, 

That  he'd  restore  her  own  defeated  Chief, 

On  these  conditions,  that  he  would  be  still, 

And  act  repugnant  to  his  cruel  will. 

She  then  consented,  with  a  thousand  thanks, 

And  said  she'd  cure  him  of  his  furious  pranks, 

Montjoy  collected  a  destructive  force, 

And  then  for  Leix  he  straightway  took  his  course. 

In  this  location  was  the  princely  dome 

Of  Owen  O'Moore,  who  had  defended  Rome, 

And  dragg'd  bold  Ormond,  like  the  Grecian  Boy 

Who  dragg'd  bold  Hector  round  the  walls  of  Troy. 

Montjoy  determined  to  prolong  the  wars, 

And  not  contented  with  external  scars  ; 

A  thought  pernicious  did  the  monster  strike, 

To  reap  the  harvest  ere  it  had  been  ripe, 

The  coward  did  in  a  revengeful  mood. 

To  leave  the  neighbors  destitute  of  food  ; 

In  this  the  villain  did  not  too  succeed. 

They  shot  his  horse  and  made  the  coward  bleed. 

He  ran,  as  usual,  to  preserve  his  life. 

And  left  the  rest  to  perish  in  the  strife. 

O'Moore  then  fell,  the  bold,  undaunted  Chief, 

Which  plunged  the  nation  in  excessive  grief. 

Two  Ulster  Chiefs,  O'Donnell  and  O'Neill, 

In  hostile  acts  combined  could  never  fail ; 

Combined  together  they  attacked  Loughfoyle, 

Where  fiendish  factions  did  pollute  the  soil ; 


112 

Their  force  and  efforts  they  reduced  to  naught, 
And  yet  the  honor  was  not  dearly  bought. 
When  e'er  they  met  there  followed  a  defeat, 
But  then  the  English  had  a  spacious  fleet, 
Which  soon  conveyed  a  fresh  supply  of  ^en, 
To  help  them  on  as  to  commence  again. 
This  mode  continued  to  excite  the  flame, 
They  fell  successive,  and  successive  came. 
The  Munster  Chiefs  that  had  united  been, 
Were  disunited  by  the  subtle  Queen ; 
Some  were  subdued  by  a  destructive  hand, 
She  planned  their  fate,  and  then  applied  her  brand, 
A  brand  well  known  in  Pluto's  gloomy  pit. 
By  some  vile  demon  which  was  made  to  fit. 
The  direful  acts  of  that  unlawful  get. 
And  basest  villain  that  existed  yet. 
Some  she  subdued  with  an  extensive  bribe. 
Some  wavering  Chiefs,  and  some  of  every  tribe  ; 
Some  had  embraced  her  foul,  infernal  creed. 
The  spawn  and  offspring  of  old  Harry's  breed. 
The  Chief  remained  untainted, — hard  his  fate, 
He  lost  his  head  or  else  his  large  estate, 
And  oft  lost  both  to  satisfy  the  spleen 
Of  an  outrageous  and  ungracious  Queen. 
Her  imps  destroyed — with  fiendish  rage — the  grain 
Before  it  ripened,  which  would  life  sustain  ; 
That  by  such  acts  that  pestilence  should  scowl, 
And  clear  the  land  of  every  mother  soul. 
Such  direful  acts,  so  fraught  with  heinousness, 
Had  matched  the  pallet  of  unholy  Bess. 
Two  Ulster  Chiefs,  infected,  fell  away. 
And  soon  appeared  in  opposite  array. 
Against  their  friends,  their  country,  and  their  creed, 
A  change  not  wanting  in  the  time  of  need. 
Each  Chief  defended  an  important  place. 
Which  they  surrendered,  to  their  own  disgrace ; 
This  change  excited  sad,  excessive  woe. 
And  gave  fresh  courage  to  the  guileful  foe ; 
But  being  chastised  for  such  rebellious  pride, 
They  quail'd  themselves  and  all  their  friends  had 
died. 


113 

Montjoy  again  for  Ulster  did  prepare, 
And  trained  his  army  with  exceeding  care ; 
And  yet  the  dread  of  his  immortal  foe,* 
Did  him  discourage  every  step  he'd  go. 
When  hearipg  then  O'Neill  was  at  his  post, 
He  soon  returned  with  his  mighty  host, 
Again  to  Dublin,  his  protecting  hole, 
To  save  his  body  for  he  had  no  soul. 
A  greater  coward  not  of  Adam's  race, 
AVas  never  known  in  such  important  place  ; 
Then  to  unite  with  a  commanding  Chief,t 
Who  could  perhaps  attenuate  his  grief, 
They  met  in  Effaly,  and  united  there, 
Two  haughty  tyrants,  and  a  wicked  pair. 
Who  on  their  march  destroyed  a  bounteous  crop. 
Robbed  churches,  altars,  every  store  and  shop. 
An  awful  blight  had  followed  in  their  train. 
They  killed  the  cattle,  and  destroyed  the  grain  ; 
This  awful  scourge  continued  o'er  the  land, 
And  was  extended  with  a  direful  hand. 
Carew,  the  President  of  Munster,  rose. 
Bold  and  determined,  to  destroy  his  foes. 
Destruction  marked  where  e'er  the  villain  trod, 
And  in  defiance  to  his  gracious  God  ; 
With  fire  and  sword  he  made  a  dreadful  waste 
Of  crops  of  grain,  of  human  life  and,  beast ; 
This  awful  waste,  which  he  considered  good, 
Was  all  he  left  a  substitute  for  food. 
Such  sad  reverses  made  Montjoy  to  go 
And  try  once  more  his  persevering  foe ; 
But  ere  't  was  long  he  met  the  great  O'Neill, 
Whose  flag  was  floating  on  a  rising  gale, 
When  he  espied  his  own  immortal  foe. 
Expected  nothing  but  an  overthrow. 
He  all  at  once  had  dropt  his  usual  boast. 
Although  surrounded  by  a  mighty  host. 
He  then  intrenched  as  to  protect  his  life. 
And  waiting  cautiously  the  coming  strife. 

*  O'Neill.  t  Lambert. 

10* 


114 

Both  Chiefs,  at  rest,  and  contemplating  then, 

How  to  adjust  and  regulate  their  men  ; 

For  fifteen  days  both  armies  were  in  view. 

With  all  things  ready  and  convenient  too. 

Montjoy  well  knew  of  his  approaching  fate, 

Remained  indignant  in  a  passive  state, 

But  ere  't  was  long,  he  had  to  show  his  face. 

And  fly  the  course,  much  to  his  own  disgrace. 

O'Neill,  though  having  an  inferior  force. 

And  had  no  hopes  from  any  other  source, 

Of  being  assisted ;  but  his  valiant  men. 

So  often  tried,  were  to  be  tried  again  ; 

He  knew  their  strength,  their  courage,  and  their 

sway. 
Which  made  him  anxious  to  commence  the  fray. 
At  length  the  Chief  had  told  his  men  to  arm. 
Prepare  themselves,  and  make  no  great  alarm ; 
To  face  the  foe,  in  his  indignant  wrath. 
On  all  the  land  a  sure  destruction  brought, 
Who  is  attended  with  a  daring  crew. 
Your  brothers,  sisters,  wives  and  children  too, 
Will  make  them  slaves;  or  else  the  reckless  Chief 
Will  have  them  murdered  to  increase  your  grief. 
Now  is  the  hour,  let  each  descending  blow 
Be  well  directed  to  defeat  the  foe  ; 
Intruding  tyrants  teach  them  how  to  fly, 
Or  yet  as  men  be  reconciled  to  die. 
They  brought  among  us  a  pernicious  creed. 
To  sow  the  Church  with  its  polluted  seed. 
The  Chiefs  approached,  in  readiness  were  they, 
To  be  distinguished  in  the  dire  aff'ray  ; 
Each  Chief  exciting,  as  commanders  do, 
His  men  to  valor  and  destruction  too. 
The  fray  commenced,  and  awful  was  the  scene, 
When  heads  and  feet  commingled  on  the  green, 
The  dying  Chief  was  covered  with  his  gore, 
He  was  a  man,  but  soon  he  was  no  more. 
Convincing  proof  did  testify  and  say. 
That  Irish  valor  would  maintain  the  day : 


115 

And  so  it  did,  victorious  was  Tyrone, 

And  haughty  tyrants  had  to  die  unknown. 

Five  thousand  men  had  been  together  slain, 

Of  British  troops,  who  came  across  the  main ; 

Still,  afterwards,  they  tried  the  battle  o'er, 

Which  left  them  worse  than  they  had  been  before. 

When  Bess  had  heard  that  all  her  troops  were  dead, 

She  offered  thousands  for  the  precious  head 

Of  that  great  Prince,*  of  that  illustrious  0', 

The  friend  of  man,  but  her  immortal  foe. 

By  the  last  scourge  the  Munster  Chiefs  were  cast, 

And  in  the  conflict  were  entirely  lost. 

Some  submitted  to  the  reckless  Queen, 

And  some  resisted  her  unhallowed  spleen ; 

Among  the  latter,  a  victorious  Knightf 

Was  always  ready  to  maintain  his  right ; 

His  army  once  that  bore  unbounded  sway. 

By  frequent  broils  had  all  been  cut  away ; 

He  had  retreated  in  his  usual  zeal, 

To  join  the  forces  of  the  brave  O'Neill ; 

But  being  pursued  by  his  ignoble  foe. 

He  could  not  stand,  nor  could  he  further  go ; 

When  he  lost  all,  the  bravest  of  the  brave 

Had  taken  shelter  in  a  dreary  cave  ; 

There  was  found  by  a  resistless  power. 

And  seven  long  years  confined  in  London  Tower. 

This  fact,  indeed,  too  dreadful  to  relate, 

A  Chief  deserving  of  a  better  fate. 

When  death  released  him  from  that  dismal  place, 

He  had  found  mercy  at  the  Throne  of  Grace. 

The  King  of  Spain  had  sent  some  small  supplies 

To  Prince  Tyrone,  which  was  a  great  surprise 

To  pious  Bess,  who  meditated  ease. 

She  must  be  so,  because  she  held  the  keys. 

At  this  account  the  Munster  men  arose. 

And  then  determined  to  attack  their  foes  ; 

But  the  northern  star — O'Neill — was  sinking  fast, 

His  force  was  small,  for  all  his  men  were  lost 

*  O'Neill,  f  Tlie  great  Desmond. 


116 

In  hostile  fields,  combatting  with  their  foes ; 
If  they  received,  they  gave  some  mortal  blows. 
The  noble  Chief,  O'Neill,  did  not  despair, 
His  name  was  terror,  and  was  always  there. 
Montjoy  again  appeared, — his  ranks  were  full 
Of  native  rebels,  to  complete  the  whole; 
He  knew  O'Neill  was  destitute  of  force, 
Thought  to  defeat  him, — nothing  less,  of  course. 
How  well  he  knew  O'Neill  would  never  shrink, 
^  Sooner  the  earth  into  the  sea  would  sink ; 
How  oft  he  fought  that  bold  and  reckless  foe, 
And,  until  then,  had  proved  his  overthrow. 
Although  Tyrone  had  suffered  no  defeat. 
He  suffered  more  or  less  when  they  would  meet. 
And  as  his  force  had  been  so  loyal  found. 
He  still  continued  to  maintain  his  ground ; 
He  fought,  regardless  of  approaching  fate, 
Expecting  help,  but  that  came  rather  late. 
That  one  great  Prince  would  stand  himself  alone, 
And  dare  the  vengeance  of  the  British  throne. 
After  a  while  supplies  arrived  from  Spain, 
But  not  as  large  as  they  expected  gain : 
They  moored  quite  safe  from  each  tempestuous  gale, 
And  safely  sheltered  near  the  town  Kinsale  ;* 
Although  King  Philip  sent  some  large  supplies, 
The  fleet  was  scattered  by  inclement  skies ; 
The  bad  success  the  fleet  had  met  at  sea, 
At  once  destroyed  the  expected  jubilee  ; 
As  if  kind  Providence  would  scourge  his  own. 
It  left  them  since  in  misery  to  moan ; 
Unerring  saints  in  acts  of  faith  expire, 
And  all  good  works  are  purified  by  fire. 
The  town  then  fearless  of  approaching  fate, 
Unlocked  its  massive  and  stupendous  gate. 
Then  told  the  Spanish  to  possess  the  town. 
Maintain  their  post,  and  fight  against  the  crown, 
The  Spanish  then  arrived,  and  few  were  found. 
To  join  the  standard  on  the  hostile  ground. 

*  A  small  seaport  town,  a  few  miles  southwest  of  Cork. 


117 

But  one  great  Chief,  O'Sullivan*  of  the  west, 
Of  all  the  patriots  he  behaved  the  best. 
O'Neill,  the  Prince  and  lion  of  the  north, 
Whom  no  misfortune  could  reduce  his  worth ; 
And  Prince  O'Donnell,  valiant,  brave  and  true, 
Were  all  of  note,  and  were  the  only  two 
That  did  oppose  intruding  vipers  then, 
Helped  and  encouraged  bj  a  godless  Queen. 

After  a  pause,  a  revolutionary  spirit  manifested 
itself  in  all  the  O's  in  that  county,  (Cork,)  the 
O'Driscales,  O'Mahonies,  O'Learies,  O'Donovan's, 
O'Carrolls,  and  several  others;  O'Sullivan  being  in 
open  rebellion  against  Elizabeth  already ;  and  also 
in  all  the  leading  men,  the  McCarthys,  O'Connor, 
Knight  of  Kerry,  &c.  They  formed  a  combination 
to  oppose  strenuously  Elizabeth's  fiendish,  ravaging, 
and  murderous  invaders ;  but  the  dispersion  of  the 
Spanish  fleet  greatly  dispirited  them.  Only  2,000 
Spaniards  came  to  their  relief,  a  force  incapable  of 
giving  much  assistance  in  the  hour  of  extremity. 

Those  two  bright  comets,  or  two  brilliant  stars, 
Were  then  deficient  by  continual  wars, 
Of  men,  of  means,  of  every  thing  bereft. 
But  a  bold  spirit, — that  was  all  was  left ; 
And  a  small  band,  intrepid  to  the  last, 
That  followed  both  when  e'er  the  die  was  cast ; 
Whom  no  misfortune  could  exhonerate. 
From  strenuous  efi'orts  to  relieve  the  state. 
Montjoy  collected  all  the  men  he  could, 
Whom  Don  Juan  and  all  his  men  withstood ; 
They  fought  successively  outside  the  town. 
And  fought  so  well  that  they  had  gain'd  renown. 
At  length  ten  ships  in  battle  line  were  seen. 
And  all  belonging  to  the  British  Queen, 
Approaching  near,  them  to  bombard,  in  case 
They'd  not  relinquish  or  give  up  the  place ; 

*  O'SuUiyan,  Prince  of  Bearhaven. 


118 

But  all  in  vain ;  the  Spaniards,  with  contempt, 

Had  disregarded  every  bold  attempt. 

They  kept  the  town ;  although,  by  land  and  sea, 

They  had  tried  to  work  their  destiny. 

For  three  long  months  they  carried  on  the  strife, 

"Without  much  loss,  or  detriment  to  life. 

The  fleet  dispers'd  by  agitated  skies, 

And  sent  by  Philip  with  some  large  supplies. 

Which  adverse  winds  had  scatter'd  from  the  rest. 

Were  seen  approaching,  in  their  colors  drest. 

The  Irish  coast, — which  gave  exceeding  joy 

To  sterling  hearts,  without  a  base  alloy. 

When  they  had  moor'd,  and  anchor'd  near  the  shore. 

They  met  with  friends  they  never  met  before; 

Mutual  love,  and  mutual  friendship  there. 

Had  been  cemented  by  a  sumptuous  fare. 

Six  ships  bombarding  at  that  time  Kinsale, 

Had  spread  their  sheets  to  catch  the  boist'rous  gale, 

And  sought  the  fleet  that  Philip  sent  afar 

To  Prince  O'Neill,  as  to  prolong  the  war. 

Unexpectedly  they  met  the  Spanish  fleet. 

Then  slacken'd  sail,  and  lower'd  every  sheet; 

The  siege  commenc'd  with  a  terrific  roar, 

The  hills  resounded,  and  the  verging  shore; 

And  it  continu'd  three  successive  days. 

Though  nought  was  seen  but  a  prodigious  blaze ; 

The  fleets  continued  an  incessant  fire. 

Each  being  bold,  and  neither  would  retire, 

Until  the  British  lost  six  hundred  tars. 

The  just  reward  of  such  unholy  wars. 

"  During  the  siege,  a  Scotch  captain  entered  the 
harbor  of  Kingsale.  His  ship  had  been  separated  at 
sea  from  the  Spanish  fleet,  and  had  eighty  Spanish 
soldiers  aboard.  The  commander  informed  Vice 
Admiral  Preston  of  the  same,  and  treacherously 
surrendered  to  him  his  cargo." 


119 

Two  northern  stars,*  whose  brilliancy  and  light 

Illumin'd  all  the  hemisphere  by  night,, 

And  whose  bright,  vivid,  and  refulgent  ray, 

Had  added  lustre  to  the  brightest  day, — 

Took  up  their  march  to  help  each  Munster  Chief, 

And  quell  their  woes,  or  dissipate  their  grief ; 

They  knew  the  Spaniards  were  located  then, 

In  full  possession  to  oppose  the  Queen. 

They  both  encamp'd  convenient  to  the  place, 

Their  hostile  foes  determined  to  displace  ; 

Their  force  united  was  six  thousand  men, 

Too  much  inferior  to  oppose  her  spleen  ; 

Oft  to  advantage  the  two  heroes  fought. 

And  very  oft  the  victory  they  bought. 

Montjoy  ne'er  wanted  a  full  tresh  supply, 

His  ships  were  ready  and  convenient  by. 

When  e'er  his  ranks  appearing  thin  or  lean, 

Were  then  made  up  by  fresh  supplies  again ; 

This  would  continue,  that  O'Neill  well  knew, 

He  lost  twelve  hundred,  and  he  had  but  few, 

He  thought  it  prudent  to  return  again. 

And  save  a  remnant  of  his  loyal  men  ; 

A  voyage  then,  to  Spain,  O'Donnell  made, 

To  see  the  King,  and  to  demand  his  aid, 

As  to  repulse  a  fierce,  invidious  foe. 

Who  tried  with  might  to  prove  his  overthrow. 

And  bring  destruction,  grief,  dismay  and  shame. 

On  land  once  happy,  ere  the  harpies  came. 

0  !  Isle  of  Saints  !  before  that  hellish  creed 

Had  been  supported  by  thy  bounteous  meed. 

Thy  saints  were  happy  till  the  serpent  came, 

Their  saintly  eflforts  to  destroy  or  maim  ; 

And  every  breeze  unluckily  did  blow. 

Then  to  encourage  your  immortal  foe. 

Don  Juan,  then  treacherously  inclined. 

All  strong  possessions  to  Montjoy  resigned ; 

For  no  equivalent,  but  the  simple  gain 

To  take  his  army  and  himself  to  Spain ; 

*  O'NeiU  and  O'Donnell. 


120 

He  was  arrested  when  he  landed  there, 
Which  plung'd  the  man  in  terrible  despair, 
And  this  impression  made  his  sickness  brief, 
Encouraged  death,  and  there  he  died  in  grief. 
Montjoy  once  more  collected  all  his  force, 
And  then  to  Ulster  he  had  steer'd  his  course, 
with  an  assurance  that  he  would  subdue 
A  Prince,  a  Soldier,  and  a  Christain  too. 
The  English  troops,  or  force,  amounted  thus, 
(Then  after  all  their  suffering  and  loss :) 
Seventeen  thousand  the  infantry  were  strong. 
With  fifteen  hundred  of  the  horse  along ; 
With  fire  and  sword  they  laid  the  country  waste, 
By  the  injunction  of  a  virgin  chaste ; 
They  left  Tyrone  in  ashes  and  in  smoke, 
In  hopes  they  would  in  suffocation  choke 
The  noble  Prince ;  who,  to  avoid  the  blow, 
Convey'd  himself  with  skill  to  Castle  Roe. 

Castle  Roe,  to  which  O'Neill  and  his  little  army 
retreated,  had  been  situated  on  the  banks  of  the 
Bann.  It  had  been  something  of  a  close  fortifica- 
tion, though  not  considered  in  any  manner  impreg- 
nable. The  deputy,  Montjoy,  on  hearing  of  his 
place  of  rendezvous,  made  three  divisions  of  his 
men,  and  placed  them  under  skilful  and  consum- 
mate commanders,  having  commanded  one  division 
himself;  this  arrangement  having  been  made  to 
guard  the  three  passages  leading  from  the  Castle, 
where  O'Neill  could  entertain  any  hopes  of  escap- 
ing. O'Neill  immediately  saw  their  vigilance,  and 
knew  their  design  ;  and,  in  spite  of  any  opposition, 
made  good  his  retreat  to  the  verge  of  Lough-Earne, 
where  he  entrenched  himself  in  an  impregnable 
pass,  bidding  defiance  to  his  pursuers.  His  force 
consisted  of  six  hundred  infantry  and  sixty  horse ; 
a  small  force  to  come  in  contact  with  a  formidable 
army.  This  gives  the  reader,  at  once,  the  idea  they 
had  of  O'Neill's  skill,  courage,  discipline  and  bra- 
very ;  as  they  left  him  in  his  entrenchment,  unmo- 


121 

lested,  and  satisfied  themselves  with  ravaging  the 
country  all  round.  The  ancient  and  noble  Castle  of 
Tyrone  had  been  burnt,  together  with  Dungannon, 
by  the  loyal  inhabitants  of  the  place,  and  probably 
by  the  approbation  of  the  Prince  himself. 

He  left  his  Castle  in  a  sable  shroud, 

Till  flashing  flames  had  burnish'd  every  cloud 

Which  had  arisen  from  the  princely  dome 

Of  Hugh  O'Neill's  and  his  ancestors'  home. 

His  men  retreated,  not  in  fear  or  grief, 

But  with  impatience  to  protect  their  Chief, 

Though  Don  Juan  surrender'd  to  Montjoy, 

O'Sullivan  kept  possession  of  Dunboy  ;* 

The  O's  of  Munster  rose  then  to  sustain 

The  Irish  war,  till  succour  came  from  Spain, 

That  princely  0'  had  acted  then  as  Chief, 

His  courage  great,  and  his  addresses  brief; 

As  stood  bold  Hector  in  defence  of  Troy, 

So  Daniel  stood  as  to  defend  Dunboy, 

Montjoy  had  heard  of  this  unbroken  league, 

And  view'd  its  symptoms  otherwise  than  vague ; 

Carew,  the  President  of  Munster  then. 

In  haste  assembled  all  efi*ective  men ; 

Not  as  Leonidas  was  found  in  Greece, 

But  those  who  sold  their  birthright  for  the  fleece. 

Sad,  treach'rous  men  are  found  in  every  clime. 

Who'd  sell  eternity  for  a  link  of  time. 

Some  Erin's  sons,  unfaithful  to  the  cause, 

Adher'd  to  creeds  and  to  polluted  laws ; 

There  were  some  serpents  in  that  paradise, 

That  had  created  very  much  surprise. 

And  had  disgraced  that  fair,  unrivalled  land, 

Who  cleft  their  friends  with  an  uplifted  hand, 

When  Thomond  went  as  far  as  to  Dunboy, 

To  raze  the  place  alike  ill-fated  Troy, 

He  had  with  him  a  formidable  force. 

Though  he  expected  no  defence  of  course. 

*  Daniel  O'Sullivan,  Prince  of  Bearhaven,  in  the  western 
extremity  of  the  County  of  Cork. 
11 


122 

When  he  arrived  in  that  important  place, 

He  was  defeated,  to  his  own  disgrace, 

By  a  small  band  that  had  been  stationed  near 

In  heath-clad  hills,  that  made  him  disappear; 

He  thought  it  prudent  not  his  foes  to  meet, 

But  borrow  safety  from  a  quick  retreat. 

When  Thomond  did  in  that  excursion  fail, 

Carew  determined  still  to  clinch  the  nail ; 

He  went  himself  to  wipe  away  the  stain 

That  Thomond  caused  when  he  had  tried  in  vain; 

He  called  a  force  superior  to  his  aid. 

That  had  been  fed,  and  very  well  then  paid  ; 

A  wayward,  wicked,  swindling,  swearing  crew. 

Of  dear  bought  bulls,  and  Irish  traitors  too, 

Were  then  let  loose  as  to  depopulate, 

With  fire  and  sword,  and  leave  them  nought  to  eat ; 

When  hunger,  thirst,  and  pestilence  they'd  sow, 

That  nothing  else  but  misery  could  grow  ; 

Like  champing  locusts  greedily  devour, 

They  ruined  the  crops  that  came  within  their  power. 

Carew  arrived,  half  sovereign  and  half  liege,  [1602.] 

To  prosecute  the  meditated  siege ; 

He  said  all  rebels*  that  would  dare  annoy, 

He  would  behead  them,  and  he'd  raze  Dunboy. 

Then  Carew,  full  of  artificial  guile. 

When  e'er  he  wished,  could  always  force  a  smile ; 

He  hired  a  traitorf  to  his  country's  cause, 

And  gave  him  titles,  honors,  and  applause. 

He  sent  him  off*,  the  cannoneers  to  bribe, 

Although  the  thief  was  of  a  princely  tribe  ; 

*  With  this  appellation  the  English  government  brand  all 
nations  with  whom  they  have  a  controversy.  First,  they  strive 
to  crush  and  massacre  them  with  insatiable  cruelty,  and  after 
doing  so  they  apply  the  familiar  brand.  With  this  appellation 
they  branded  the  brave  inoffensive  Irish ;  with  this  appellation 
they  branded  the  worthy  Scots ;  with  this  appellation  they 
branded  the  unconquerable  Americans  ;  and  with  this  appel- 
lation, no  doubt,  they  branded  the  poor  harmless  Chinese, 
whom  they  massacred  indiscriminately  for  refusing  to  take  their 
poisonous  drug,  that  would,  in  the  course  of  time,  depopulate 
the  whole  etiopire. 

f  His  name  was  O'Sullivan. 


123 

The  cannoneers  in  numbers  were  but  few, 

One  Italian,  the  Spaniards  were  but  two ; 

He  tried  his  art,  but  could  not  overcome, 

Although  he'd  give  a  very  weighty  sum, 

If  those  three  men  would  spike  the  cannon  then, 

They  would  be  lords,  no  longer  should  be  men. 

The  men  prov'd  faithful  to  their  trust  and  care, 

And  charg'd  their  guns  with  a  devouring  fare. 

During  this  time  a  vessel  came  from  Spain, 

To  know  if  the  Castle  did  itself  sustain ; 

A  pious  Friar  had  been  then  on  board. 

To  preach  the  gospel  and  unerring  word 

Of  the  true  Church,  repugnant  to  the  creed 

That  Bess  had  made,  and  angels  do  not  need ; 

He  brought  a  sum  of  great  importance  then, 

To  feed  and  clothe,  and  satisfy  the  men ; 

With  an  assurance  of  King  Philip's  aid, 

And  this  fair  promise  to  himself  had  made  ; 

He  then  requested,  with  exulting  joy. 

To  stand  determined  to  defend  Dunboy.* 

With  buoyant  hopes  a  universal  cry. 

To  which  responded  all  the  hills  were  nigh. 

Was  heard,  declaring  their  intention  then. 

That  they'd  defend  it,  or  they'd  die  like  men  : 

**  Surviving  friends  will  grant  us  some  applause, 

If  we  will  perish  in  so  good  a  cause." 

Two  Chiefs  were  sent  across  the  raging  main. 

To  get  assistance  from  the  King  of  Spain ; 

And  to  assure  him  their  intention  was 

To  fight  the  foe,  let  what  will  come  to  pass ; 

To  shun  no  danger,  neither  fear,  nor  fly 

To  live  as  men,  or  else  as  men  to  die. 

The  President  knew  how  useful  was  Dunboy, 

And  thought  he  would  it  utterly  destroy. 

There  was  an  island  quite  convenient  then. 

With  one  small  fort,  and  forty  able  men, 

*  The  Castle  of  Dunboy  is  a  little  distance  to  the  west  of 
Bantry  bay,  in  the  County  of  Cork.  It  is  situated  near  the  sea, 
and  commands  a  beautiful  and  extensive  prospect.  It  is  now 
in  a  dilapidated  state. 


124 

There  to  repulse  and  strike  the  fatal  blow, 
If  daring  visions  would  invite  the  foe 
Within  their  sphere;  unless  thej  were  divine 
They'd  pay  a  forfeit  for  their  bold  design ; 
If  not  in  number  they'd  exceed  them  far, 
They'd  dearly  suffer  from  the  feats  of  war. 
The  President  then  had  sent  a  force  to  try. 
Nor  would  he  let  a  bad  example  die  ; 
When  this  injunction  he  had  laid,  he  smil'd. 
To  spare  no  man,  no  woman,  or  no  child. 
Each  hideous  monster  promis'd  to  obey. 
Then  charg'd  his  gun  and  turn'd  himself  away. 
The  fort  resisted  the  approaching  foe, 
And  strove  with  vigor  to  avert  the  blow, 
Was  forced  to  yield,  with  much  intrinsic  pain  ; 
They  fought  like  men  till  fighting  was  in  vain. 
Not  one  was  spared  that  did  for  mercy  call, 
The  fatal  lot  of  every  one  and  all. 
The  arduous  task  was  yet  to  be  completed, 
And  fearing  still  that  he  would  be  defeated, 
He  brought  together  all  his  mighty  host. 
And  fix'd  them  all  in  a  convenient  post, 
In  hapes  his  cannon  could  with  ease  destroy 
The  far-famed  Castle  of  the  famed  Dunboy, 
The  Castle  gave  a  very  ready  toast 
To  the  invidious  and  amazing  host ; 
They  soon  withdrew  from  an  impending  fate, 
As  being  unfit  then,  to  retaliate, 
He  sought  a  place  to  plant  his  cannon  there. 
That  with  the  Castle  he  could  interfere. 
Without  that  aid  he  could  not  venture  then 
To  face  the  Castle  with  a  host  of  men  ; 
For  well  he  knew  the  men  he  had  to  face 
Were  the  pure  offspring  of  Milesian  race ; 
No  snarling  mongrel  did  pollute  the  breed, 
Who  kept  untarnished  the  apostles'  creed  ; 
Who'd  suffer  death  and  his  terrific  doom. 
Bather  than  tarnish  old  Celestial  Rome. 
The  cannon  planted  then  began  to  play, 
And  so  continued  during  the  whole  day ; 


125 

Whilst  in  succession  from  the  Castle  came 
A  deadly  signal  from  destruction's  flame, 
Which  well  directed  and  incessant  fire 
Made  Carew  shift,  and  all  his  men  retire ; 
And  no  cessation  mark'd  the  dreadful  fray, 
That  had  continued  till  the  close  of  day. 
The  following  day  they  tried  the  battle  o'er, 
And  were  repuls'd  as  they  had  been  before ; 
By  some  strong  breach  effected  by  a  ball. 
Then  Cerew  cried,  "  My  boys,  now  to  the  wall ; 
Be  bold,  determined,  never  look  behind ; 
Their  number 's  few,  when  you  are  there  you  '11  find  ; 
Feel  no  contrition — have  no  mercy  then 
On  these  rebellious  and  outrageous  men ; 
My  royal  sovereign  don't  expect  you  '11  show 
No  kind  of  mercy  to  so  great  a  foe ; 
Spare  not  a  child,  it  is  your  better  plan, 
That  child  will  grow,  perhaps,  to  be  a  man. 
Then  to  disturb  your  well  establish'd  peace ; 
You  kill  him  now,  and  his  exertions  cease." 
Each  bloodhound  then,  much  agitated,  wheels, 
Another  bloodhound  treading  on  his  heels ; 
With  great  alacrity  they  obey'd  the  call. 
And  hurried  headlong  to  the  Castle  wall, 
Each  thirsty  vampire  in  amazing  rage, 
Alike  a  lion  breaking  from  his  cage. 
His  headlong  strides  were  soon  defeated  then, 
As  loyal  Irish  were  on  guard  within. 
When  each  attempted  to  ascend  the  wall, 
A  dying  struggle  would  denote  the  call 
'That  that  vile  monster  had  received  from  death, 
When  lifeless  lay  and  destitute  of  breath. 
In  Pluto's  gl6omy  antichamber  stray'd. 
In  all  his  hellish  ornaments  array'd. 
Or  walked  around  the  Stygian  lake  betimes, 
There  to  do  penance  for  atrocious  crimes. 
Every  day  they  made  a  fresh  attack. 
And  every  day  they  had  been  driven  back 
To  their  entrenchments,  loaded  with  disgrace, 
Each  day  improving  in  their  speedy  race ; 
11* 


126 

The  hellish,  hateful,  and  seditious  foe, 
For  fifteen  days  had  still  continued  so. 
Till  heavy  cannon  had  destroyed*  the  wall, 
Which  fated  many  when  decreed  to  fall ; 
Though  few  escaped,  they  were  victorious  then, 
They  had  defeated  their  old  foes  again. 
So  few  in  number  never  fought  so  well, 
We  never  read  of,  never  heard  of  tell. 
That  such  a  number*  could  the  siege  prolong, 
Against  an  army  of  five  thousand  strong ; 
On  the  sixteenth  day  they  got  a  short  repose 
from  their  ferocious  and  perfidious  foes. 
The  few  were  left  were  then  prepared  to  die, 
And  with  the  rest  consented  there  to  lie, 
Rather  then  yield  to  a  rapacious  foe. 
Whose  vile  intrusions  wrought  their  overthrow ; 
Whom  angels  hated,  though  the  God  of  all 
Did  not  ordain  it,  he  allowed  the  fall. 

*  The  brave  men,  140  in  number,  "who  defended  the  Castle  of 
Dunboy,  were  of  course  much  diminished  by  the  inhuman  as- 
saults of  the  foe,  that  continued  for  fifteen  days  without  inter- 
mission. The  breach  effected  by  five  pieces  of  heavy  cannon 
continually  playing  on  the  Castle  during  the  time,  destroyed 
more  men  than  the  President's  army  did,  consisting  of  5,000 
effective  men  and  upwards,  during  the  siege.  After  a  long  con- 
sideration, Carew  sent  a  proposal  of  peace  to  stop  the  effusion 
of  blood,  as  his  own  ranks  were  much  attenuated  during  the 
siege.  After  a  serious  consultation,  the  feAv  survivers  within 
the  Castle  consented,  with  the  exception  of  the  commander, 
Richard  McGeoghegan,  whose  knowledge  of  English  treachery, 
and  dignity  of  mind,  would  not  allow  him  to  comply  with  the 
conditions,  or  place  any  confidence  in  the  confederacy,  although 
being  at  the  time  mortally  wounded,  and  struggling  with  death. 
"When  the  English  came,  as  it  were  in  numbers,  to  confirm  the 
President's  peace  offering  ;  but  their  intentions  had  been  other- 
wise. McGeorghegan,  though  in  the  last  extremity,  lit  a  match 
to  apply  it  to  a  barrel  of  powder  that  was  convenient,  to  blow 
all  to  atoms  (himself  together  with  the  rest)  of  Carew's 
treacherous  executioners,  rather  than  comply  ;  and  would  have 
put  his  design  in  execution  were  it  not  for  the  exertions  of 
Captain  Powers,  in  whose  arms  he  was  basel}'  assassinated  by 
an  Englishman,  The  same  fate  happened  to  the  few  that  were 
in  the  Castle ;  every  one  of  them  had  been  shot,  stabbed,  or 
executed,  contrary  to  the  stipulations  made  before  they  con- 
sented to  surrender.  Therefore  you  cannot  conciliate  the 
friendship  of  these  Englishmen,  under  government  control,  in 
the  hour  of  extremity. 


127 

Yet  notice  well  the  spurious  sovereign's  -will, 
Whose  works  of  mercy  were  to  slay  and  kill. 
Then  Cerew  sent  an  olive  branch  to  cease, 
And  live  thereafter  in  the  bonds  of  peace, 
Refrain  from  bloodshed,- live  a  christian  life, 
And  put  an  end  to  the  unholy  strife  ; 
"  Demand  your  wish,  and  I'll  with  it  comply, 
No  man  shall  say  I  fabricate  a  lie." 
Alas  !  the  monster  !  basest  of  his  kind. 
To  truth  a  stranger,  and  to  mercy  blind. 
Unblest  the  day,  and  cursed  be  the  hour, 
That  they  consented  to  his  stern  power ; 
The  few  escap'd  the  Castle's  horrid  fall. 
He  shot,  slew,  stabb'd,  or  executed  all  ; 
Yet  others  lived  to,  circulate  the  fate 
Of  those  who  perish'd  to  defend  the  state. 
Their  sad  defeat  and  total  overthrow. 
By  a  transgressing  and  perverted  foe. 
Had  been  injurious  to  the  holy  cause, 
Brought  gloomy  prospects  and  obnoxious  laws. 
O'Sullivan,  then,  the  greatest,  bravest,  best, 
By  nature  valiant,  and  with  virtue  blest, 
Conven'd  and  call'd  on  each  and  every  Chief, 
To  strike  at  something  to  impair  their  grief; 
Support  a  union,  and  the  cause  maintain, 
Till  some  assistance  would  arrive  from  Spain ; 
But  yet,  alas  !  they  heard  of  the  defeat 
That  sad  misfortune  had  decreed  of  late. 
The  siege  concerted  to  defeat  Dunboy, 
Was  not  inferior  to  the  siege  of  Troy  ; 
Nor  was  no  man  inferior  in  that  post, 
To  mighty  Hector,  who'd  defeat  a  host ; 
If  both  those  places  got  a  fatal  fall, 
To  erring  women  were  the  cause  of  all. 
Dunboy  had  fallen,  which  had  given  pain 
To  worthy  Philip,  who  was  King  of  Spain. 
The  Chiefs  convened,  they  all  determined  then 
To  act  in  union  'gainst  oppressive  men. 
Far  better  die  with  honor  and  with  fame. 
Than  live  full  branded  with  a  coward's  name. 


128 

Heaven  may  send,  and  may  not  send  in  vain, 

Some  great  assistance  from  the  King  of  Spain  ; 

Let  us  be  patient,  vigilant,  and  brave, 

And  if  we  fall  there's  honor  in  the  grave. 

Resolved  as  thus,  the  Chiefs  did  all  agree 

To  suffer  death,  or  set  their  country  free  ; 

But  soon,  alas  !  oppressors  did  revile 

The  valiant  heroes  of  the  western  Isle ; 

Consigned  to  fate  those  brave,  undaunted  men, 

for  the  rebellion  they  fermented  then, 

The  Queen,  incensed  by  a  rebellious  foe, 

And  she  would  fain  indeed  to  prove  them  so, 

Sent  o'er  fresh  vampire's  to  the  Irish  shore, 

More  fond  of  blood  than  all  she  sent  before  ; 

The  bloodhounds  yelped,  inflicting  wounds  and  woes 

On  all  the  sons  of  Irish  Mc's  and  O's. 

That  day  they'll  think  of,  that  they  were  to  bathej 

And  wash  their  members  in  the  river  Lethe. 

Repulsed,  defeated,  and  repulsed  again, 

AVere  those  ferocious  and  inhuman  men ; 

But  Bess,  detesting  sad  misfortune's  pranks, 

With  other  men  would  soon  fill  up  the  ranks  ; 

No  matter  when  or  how  her  men  would  die, 

She  had  the  means  to  get  a  new  supply. 

The  Munster  Chiefs  abandoned  every  hope. 

And  seemed  determined  to  deserve  the  rope ; 

For  casual  efforts  men  of  great  renown 

Had  paid  this  forfeit  to  the  British  crown. 

All  hopes  were  fled  that  foreign  aid  would  come, 

And  all  depended  on  themselves  at  home. 

The  Mc's  and  O's  that  stood  the  dire  attack, 

"With  Connaught  heralds  standing  at  their  back. 

Their  strenuous  efforts  they  would  never  yield, 

For  all  their  glory  was  the  hostile  field. 

Had  made  a  union — honor  was  their  bail — 

To  find  protection  from  the  brave  O'Neill, 

To  suffer  death  if  the  occasion  need. 

In  braving  Betsy  and  her  darling  creed. 

The  warlike  band,  possessing  Spartan  blood, 

Oft  swam  across  the  most  tremendous  flood, 


129 

Until  at  last  just  to  the  Shannon  came, 

A  mighty,  rapid,  and  rebellious  stream  : 

It  had  been  then,*  though  other  times  so  slow, 

As  if  determined  not  to  shift  or  flow, 

They  sat  in  council  how  to  frame  a  pass. 

Could  give  permission  then  to  get  across  ; 

After  a  pause  and  consultation  then. 

By  sage,  sagacious,  and  judicious  men. 

They  all  concluded  that  in  place  of  boats, 

To  make  of  osiers  some  capacious  floats. 

And  line  them  well  before  they'd  leave  the  brink, 

"With  horses'  hides,  for  fear  the  floats  would  sink ; 

O'Mealy,  then,  a  bold,  intrepid  Chief. 

Who  feared  no  danger,  or  who  knew  no  grief. 

Had  ventured  first  in  those  uncertain  floats, 

"Which  had  been  no  way  in  the  shape  of  boats ; 

His  watery  grave  had  agonized  the  whole, 

And  gave  to  heaven  a  firm  devoted  soul. 

When  all  had  crossed,  O'SuUivan  did  review, 

And  found  his  number  had  been  very  few, 

All  the  force  that  he  could  muster  then. 

Were  two  hundred  able  bodied  men  ; 

Too  small  a  number  to  engage  the  foe, 

And  sure  to  meet  them  every  step  they'd  go, 

Though  small  the  number,  and  tho'  weak  the  force, 

They  seemed  determined  to  pursue  their  course, 

Death  may  limit  or  impede  their  way, 

For  nothing  else  could  tolerate  their  stay ; 

The  little  group  or  constellation  then, 

Of  warlike,  noble,  able  bodied  men. 

All  stout  heroes  of  Milesian  race. 

And  brave  defenders  of  their  native  place, 

Would  push  ahead,  were  not  afraid  to  die, 

They'd  fall  themselves,  or  cause  the  foe  to  fly ; 

Then  all  did  kneel,  in  due  submission  there, 

To  heaven^s  decrees,  and  spent  an  hour  in  prayer. 

Not  far  they  went,  when  they  had  met  the  foe. 

Who  seemed  determined  on  their  overthrow. 

*  This  happened  in  the  month  of  December,  when  all  tribu- 
tary streams  pour  into  it. 


130 

Honor  pledged,  and  honor  being  the  bail, 
Unless  they'd  die,  that  they  would  see  O'Neill ; 
Near  Aughrim,  known  to  those  of  every  age, 
A  place  oft  mentioned  on  historic  page. 
They  met  with  Malby  and  S?r  Thomas  Burk,* 
Who  near  the  place  for  many  days  did  lurk, 
Alike  two  lions  waiting  for  their  prey, 
No  danger  feared,  but  feared  they'd  run  away ; 
And  both  contending  for  the  highest  fame, 
Then  both  were  ready  to  pursue  the  game ; 
But,  how  surprised  when  they  observed  them  stand, 
A  noble,  valiant,  warlike  looking  band  ! 

The  adventure  of  O'Sullivan  and  his  heralds  is 
considered  the  most  daring,  indefatigable,  and  most 
chivalrous  enterprize  on  the  page  of  history. 

Though  fully  bent  were  every  Mc  and  0', 
To  face  with  courage  the  approaching  foe, 
Though  being  inferior  both  in  men  and  means, 
They  fought  for  freedom,  not  for  any  gains, 
And  so  successive  were  they  in  the  strife. 
That  English  Malby  there  had  lost  his  life ; 
When  there  he  fell  the  rest  began  to  fly, 
Por  they  would  sooner  run  than  stand  to  die; 
Some  lay  dead,  and  some  with  nimble  heels, 
Showed  lengthened  steps,  that  were  not  fit  for  reels. 
But  were  quite  handy  in  the  time  of  need, 
By  giving  then,  facility  to  speed. 
The  Chiefs  their  course  had  taken  up  from  thence. 
And  sought  the  mansion  of  a  noble  Prince  ;f 
All  banished  Chiefs  would  there  for  shelter  come. 
When  godless  tyrants  drove  them  from  their  home ; 
O'Sullivan  found  that  other  Chiefs  were  worse. 
For  they  had  neither  staff,  nor  scrip,  nor  purse, 
Who  had  been  driven  from  their  homes  and  wives. 
And  threatened  hard  to  take  away  their  lives. 

*  Burk,  that  noble  and  illustrious  name,  adhered  faithfully  to 
the  welfare  of  the  Irish  nation,  with  very  few  exceptions, 
f  O'Rourk,  the  hereditary  Prince  of  Breffney. 


131 

He  found  some  Chiefs  took  shelter  there  likewise ; 
The  Prince  with  all  did  share  and  sympathise. 
The  Chiefs  at  length  defeated  every  gale, 
And  worked  their  passage  to  the  brave  O'Neill, 
Who  did  receive  them  with  exceeding  joy, 
And  hailed  their  presence  to  defeat  Montjoy. 
He  gave  the  Chiefs  the  greatest  of  applause, 
For  being  defenders  in  a  holy  cause. 
They  were  preparing  to  disturb  the  Queen, 
Until  wise  Providence  had  changed  the  scene; 
The  Queen  got  ill,  and  death  approached  her  bed, 
To  have  her  numbered  with  the  noiseless  dead ; 
Could  she  resist  him,  or  excite  a  fray  ? 
No,  she  could  not,  she  had  then  to  obey. 
Though  lived  unlike,  she  did  like  others  fall, 
To  bear  the  sable  unrelenting  pall ; 
The  thread  was  cut,  she  had  no  longer  breath, 
And  then  she  died  a  most  surprising  death, 
They  stowed  her  back  in  some  dark  place  alone, 
The  basest  tyrant  that  disgraced  a  throne.- 
The  Chiefs  then  lived  in  harmony  and  peace, 
And  all  commotions  for  a  time  did  cease ; 
In  great  dimay  decayed  the  spurious  get. 
And  the  Isle  of  Saints  remained  unconquered  yet. 

Elizabeth, 

I  have  done  with  the  reign  of  this  detestable 
tyrant,  and  have  given  a  partial  investigation  of  the 
afflictions,  sufferings  and  woes  of  my  country  and 
countrymen  during  her  reign.  She  died  on  the 
26th  of  March,  1603,  after  a  life  of  69  years  and  6 
months,  and  after  a  reign  of  44  years  and  4  months. 
Providence  allowing  her  to  reign  such  a  length  of 
time,  incontestably  proves  that  God  scourgeth  his 
-own  children.  This  base  and  spurious  tyrant  was 
arbitrary  and  cruel  to  her  enemies,  jealous  of  her 
friends,  full  of  ambition,  stern  in  her  resolution  to 
do  evil,  and  her  feelings  were  beyond  the  reach  of 
the  most  tender  remonstrances  and  expostulation. 


132 

When  Edward,  her  brother,  reigned,  she  was  a 
consistent  Protestant ;  and  when  Mary,  her  sister, 
reigned,  she  was  a  practical  Catholic,  and  if  exterior 
ceremonies  and  signs,  whilst  in  that  Church,  would 
be  an  irrefragable  proof  of  sanctity,  Elizabeth  would 
be  a  saint.  No  living  historian,  in  description, 
could  do  her  justice ;  and  although  she  was  called 
the  Virgin  Queen  by  some  sycophants  or  courtiers, 
her  constitutional  propensities  were  irregular  and 
disorderly,  and  no  way  regulated  by  discretional 
restraint  or  commendable  habits.  She  died,  unla- 
mented,  and  every  symptom  of  affliction,  lunacy, 
and  convulsive  rage,  preceded  her  death. 

James  VL,  of  Scotland,  was  crowned  King  in  the 
year  1G03.  He  was  the  son  of  the  unfortunate 
Mary,  Queen  of  Scots,  and  the  crown  of  both  na- 
tions uniting  in  him,  he  was  by  law  King  of  England 
and  Scotland. 

When  James  the  Sixth  of  Scotland  did  ascend, 
He  had  no  foes,  but  every  one  his  friend ; 
Hopes  were  cherished,  he'd  be  good  and  wise. 
Such  hopes  were  nothing  but  a  sacrifice; 
A  weak,  imbecile  King  would  never  do, 
Though  he  were  learned — he  was  a  pedant  too — 
Unfit  three  kingdoms  then  to  rule  or  reign. 
For  all  he  said  the  half  was  said  in  vain. 
Though  being  the  son  of  Mary,  Queen  of  Scots, 
Who  had  no  blemish  or  interior  spots, 
And  for  her  zeal  for  that  unerring  rock. 
She  laid  her  head  upon  the  fatal  block ; 
'Twas  for  her  faith  she  paid  the  heavy  tax. 
If  her  son*  were  there  he'd  wield  the  ponderous  axe  ; 
No  son  was  he,  nor  neither  was  he  good, 
Or  he'd  retaliate  his  mother's  blood. 
A  greater  foe  to  that  unerring  creed. 
There  never  was,  nor  was  there  any  need  ; 
A  greater  tyrant  than  unholy  Bess, 
Still,  ere  she  died,  she  did  some  laws  suppress. 
*  James  was  a  rigid  Presbyterian. 


133 

Though  he  in  youth  attended  to  his  school, 

Yet  not  in  Europe  was  a  bigger  fool. 

When  Bess  had   reigned,  compelled,  perhaps   by 

need. 
The  Irish  Chiefs  who  differed  from  her  creed 
Had  paid  a  tax  for  this  offensive  flaw. 
But  ere  she  died  she  did  relax  the  law ; 
But  some  bold  Chiefs  objected,  paying  for  years, 
Which  left  themselves  in  very  great  arrears. 
In  Jemmy's  reign  they  hunted  up  old  scores, 
And  well  they  probed  the  old  affected  sores, 
Of  such  back  dues  they  made  a  heavy  debt. 
Nor  would  the  harpies  then  the  owner  let 
Him  make  an  offer  for  his  own  estate, 
The  answer  was,  you  offer  rather  late  ; 
The  greedy  leeches  made  a  sacrifice, 
Of  each  estate,  which  was  no  great  surprise ; 
The  King  had  sanctioned  the  unholy  cause. 
By  his  perverted  and  obnoxious  laws, 
And  for  that  act,  there  could  be  no  repeal. 
As  then  inactive  was  the  brave  O'Neill ; 
Every  non-believer  had  to  fall, 
He  lost  his  life,  his  vast  estate  and  all. 
The  estates  were  given  to  rapacious  hawks. 
Who  were  enamoured  with  their  flowery  walks  ; 
This  seemed  not  then  so  altogether  strange. 
As  being  accustomed  to  each  direful  change. 
Long  acquaintance  makes  familiar,  then 
Very  admirable  is  seldom  seen. 
In  this  King's  reign,  a  most  notorious  scheme, 
Atrocious  in  itself,  and  much  to  blame, 
Concerted  then,  by  vile  ungodly  men. 
Who  feared  not  God,  nor  shunned  the  way  of  sin. 
These  men  were  moving  in  the  highest  grade. 
Among  the  proudest  on  the  grand  parade. 
Twelve  men  contrived  to  blow  the  house  in  air. 
And  every  wolf  that  was  assembled  there, 
To  rid  the  earth  of  such  invidious  men. 
By  blowing  to  atoms  the  unrighteous  den, 
12 


134 

They  placed  beneath  the  synagogue'''  the  batch, f 

And  were  determined  to  apply  a  match, 

The  great  explosion  terrific  and  loud. 

Would  annihilate  the  vicious  crowd, 

Tho*  the  wolves  were  bad,  the  action  would  be  worse, 

They  might  do  good,  and  yet  to  bear  a  curse. 

No  man's  allowed  to  use  the  chastening  rod, 

For  vengeance  only  does  belong  to  God. 

One  morning  early  the  undaunted  Fawkes, 

Bent  on  destruction,  undevoutly  walks, 

With  his  dark  lantern  to  complete  the  deed. 

And  show  his  courage  in  the  time  of  need. 

He  had  a  match  to  blow  the  wolves  in  air. 

And  sought  no  refuge  from  the  fatal  snare. 

He  thought  by  their  effectual  overthrow, 

He'd  go  to  Heaven  and  they  would  go  below ; 

And  then  let  men  commemorate  his  name, 

By  their  transition  in  a  sheet  of  flame. 

Alas !  for  Fawkes,  it  was  his  fate  to  die, 

Not  through  the  means  of  an  officious  spy, 

But  some  good  man  empanel'd  with  the  rest. 

That  pure  humanity  had  touched  his  breast. 

Advised  a  LordJ  not  to  attend  that  day. 

And  on  his  peril  then  to  stay  away. 

This  communication  had  found  the  spot, 

And  then  discovered  the  unholy  plot ; 

Some  contrived  to  palliate  ajid  lie, 

But  all  concerned  were  then  condemned  to  die. 

The  harpies  cried,  destruction  is  our  doom, 

Ic  emanated  from  the  Court  of  Rome. 

They  built  a  tower  to  commemorate. 

Their  preservation  in  a  partial  state. 

The  immortal  Pope,  in  two  immortal  lines. 

This  tall  bully  pyramid  defines : 

"London's  column  pointing  to  the  skies. 

Like  a  tall  bully,  lifts  it  head  and  lies." 

On  James'  ascension,  they  all  cried,  God  speed. 

The  good  wise  King  will  tolerate  my  creed, 

*  The  Parliament  House,     f  Gunpowder.     J  Lord  Mounteagle. 


135 

The  Catholic  thought  he  could  his  own  enjoy, 

Without  the  admixture  of  a  base  alloy ; 

All  false  hopes,  for  Jemmy  was  the  lark 

Who  raked  the  embers  in  the  very  dark  ; 

In  his  opinion  he  was  very  strong, 

None  could  convince  him  of  being  ever  wrong. 

He  sent  Montjoy,  the  harbinger  of  hell. 

To  gut,  cut,  plunder,  afterwards  to  kill ; 

The  house  devoted  to  almighty  God, 

Had  felt  the  pressure  of  his  chastening  rod  ; 

He  then  had  summoned  every  noble  Chief, 

Not  to  extinguish,  but  increase  his  grief — 

And  told  him  plainly  that  he  should  comply 

With  the  established  Church,  and  in  its  bosom  die. 

"  'Tis  now  well  swept  with  an  effectual  broom. 

And  quite  repugnant  to  the  Church  of  Rome  ; 

Your  bower  for  life  will  be  an  evergreen, 

A  change  of  creed  will  surely  change  the  scene." 

Thus  spoke  the  serpent  as  a  reasoning  friend, 

The  Chiefs  detested  the  notorious  fiend. 

Whether  Montjoy  did  give  his  charge  or  not, 

Or  some  vile  imp  selected  from  the  lot, 

This  law  was  passed  in  spurious  Betsy's  day. 

But  still  lay  dead,  and  was  as  cold  as  clay, 

Until  revived  by  vultures,  not  by  men. 

Then  singing  psalms,  and  crying  aloud,  amen. 

To  this  injunction  they  would  not  submit, 

Could  they  retain,  or  otherwise  remit 

The  smallest  sin  ?  could  they  divorce,  or  marry  ? 

They  had  no  power  but  from  pious  Harry, 

Or  that  vile  priest,"^  who  from  his  zenith  fell, 

And  changed  his  gospel  for  a  beauteous  belle ; 

Whose  great  affection  for  his  charming  Kate, 

Pulled  off  his  gowrl^,  and  opened  wide  the  gate  ; 

He  went  the  road  that  leadeth  to  destruction. 

And  left  the  narrow  path  of  incorruption. 

It  was  old  Dick  who  saw,  with  great  surprise. 

Both  heaven  and  earth  in  both  Ann  Boleyn's  eyes  ; 

•^'-  *  Luther. 


136 

On  these  two  hinges  hangs  the  reformation, 

(We'll  call  it  this  by  way  of  information.) 

In  Dublin  then  the  corporation  all 

Received  a  summons  and  a  hasty  call 

To  attend  the  Church,  pertaining  to  the  State, 

Finished  by  Ann,  though  first  commenced  by  Kate,* 

But  to  their  honor  be  it  ever  said, 

They  did  not  go,  nor  could  they  then  be  led ; 

No  Judas  found,  but  one  amongst  them  all, 

Who  liked  good  living  in  his  master's  stall ; 

The  rest  adhered,  in  spite  of  fines  and  block, 

To  that  sound,  healthy  and  unerring  Rock, 

Who  got  the  keys  that  never  will  grow  old, 

To  feed  his  flock  and  to  protect  the  fold ; 

Not  Like  the  thief  who  climbed  the  other  way, 

Destroyed  the  sheep,  and  led  the  lambs  astray. 

O'Neill,  O'Donnell,  and  McGuire  being  gone,t 

Then  terminated  all  the  jest  and  fun. 

The  vampires  made  a  most  outrageous  law. 

And  had  proclaimed  it  void  of  every  flaw ; 

But  hell  itself  could  not  digest  such  fraud, 

As  those  vile  leeches  did  so  loudly  laud. 

Confiscation  was  the  only  thing  in  view, 

They  brought  from  England,  and  from  Scotland  too, 

Some  hidebound  saints,  that  had  enough  before. 

But  the  man  that's  rich  will  always  wish  for  more ; 

Or  if,  perchance,  that  some  had  got  the  itch. 

On  Irish  soil  they  very  soon  got  rich ; 

The  flowery  meads,  the  dew-bespangled  lawn. 

The  safe  retreat  of  every  hare  and  fawn, 

They  roam'd  to  view  the  grand  endearing  scene. 

By  nature  clad  in  livery  of  green  ; 

How  often  walked  they  thro'  each  beauteous  farm. 

Each  with  his  heir,  who  held  him  by  the  arm. 

And  as  the  swallow  every  art  does  try. 

To  teach  her  offspring  how  to  learn  to  fly. 

His  heir  he  taught  to  covet  every  sod, 

As  so  ordained  by  the  Almighty  God, 

*  Catharine  de  Bore.  f  To  France. 


137 

Who  in  his  wisdom  did  predestinate, 
That  his  fine  heir  should  have  a  large  estate. 
When  things  grew  worse  another  Chief*  arose, 
Who  seemed  determined  to  suppress  his  foes ; 
He  then  collected  all  the  force  he  could 
To  mar  the  vampires,  if  in  death  he  should 
Repose  his  bones,  and  then  unburied  lie, 
He  was  so  willing  for  the  cause  to  die. 
Without  a  Chief,  the  Chief  did  act  alone, 
The  noble,  valiant  Prince  of  Inishowen ; 
Indeed,  successively  he  fought  his  foes. 
Who  were  gregariouss  as  the  very  crows : 
^No  British  ship  did  come  anear  the  shore, 
But  brought  more  men  than  she  had  brought  before. 
O'erpowered  by  men,  the  Prince  was  doomed  to  sigh, 
And  much  lamented,  'twas  his  fate  to  die. 
Soon  after  him,  the  King  was  called  away 
Before  a  Judge  of  omnipotent  sway, 
There  to  account  for  his  unrighteous  laws ; 
There  he  could  not  equivocate  his  cause ; 
His  deeds  were  written  there  before  his  face. 
Where  human  hands  could  not  the  deeds  deface ; 
For  his  injustice  to  the  rich  and  poor, 
Against  the  King  they  shut  the  heavenly  door, 
For  into  heaven  no  wicked  sovereigns  go. 
They  get  a  ticket  for  the  place  below ; 
Thro'  endless  ages  there  they're  doomed  to  stay, 
An  awful  sentence  and  a  long  delay. 

Charles  I.,  son  of  James  I.,  ascended  the  throne 
of  England  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1625.  His 
promises  of  toleration  were  charming,  much  like  his 
papa's.  He  was  a  sincere,  or  rather  a  stringent 
Episcopalian ;  and  used  all  his  power  to  enforce 
Episcopacy  on  the  Scots,  which  he  attempted  unsuc- 
cessfully in  the  hostile  field,  where  he  met  with  a 
spirited  resistance  which  totally  defeated  his  design. 

King  Charles  next  had  graced  the  royal  stage, 
And  was  considered  then  a  learned  sage ; 

^  O'Doharty. 
12* 


138 

The  wisest  men,  and  they  were  not  a  few, 

Their  hopes,  their  thoughts,  and  hearts  were  turned 

to 
To  this  good  King,  expecting  better  times, 
And  better  laws  for  regulating  crimes  ; 
For  each  then  thought  he'd  tolerate  his  creed, 
As  Providence  sent  him  in  the  hour  of  need ; 
But  they  mistaken  in  the  King  had  been. 
And  found,  ere  long,  that  they  were  overseen ; 
A  hidebound  bigot,  and  a  noted  case, 
That  lived  and  died  in  terrible  disgrace; 
His  picture  is  as  each  historion  draws. 
From  his  aggressive  and  oppressive  laws, 
A  keen,  intriguing  vacillating  King, 
Who  oft  made  winter  when  he  could  make  spring ; 
When  first  commencing  with  the  noble  Scotch, 
In  fact  he  found  to  be  an  overmatch 
For  him,  in  his  attempt  upon  the  Kirk, 
The  wily,  roguish,  and  notorious  Turk, 
Who  brought  his  forces  in  the  hostile  field, 
But  was  defeated,  and  was  forced  to  yield. 
The  Scots  had  just  as  good  a  right  as  he, 
To  pray,  to  teach,  to  act,  and  to  be  free ; 
As  both  depended  on  their  human  strength. 
One  went  his  course,  the  other  went  his  length. 
'Tis  very  wrong  that  parties  disagree. 
As  one  sees  things  the  other  cannot  see ; 
I  want  to  know,  can  human  reason  tell, 
Which  of  the  reasoners  into  error  fell  ? 
The  Scots  determined  to  retain  their  creed. 
Had  fought  like  Spartans  in  the  hour  of  need, 
The  King's  fond  creed  they  boldly  did  disown. 
But  they  would  cherish  and  maintain  their  own; 
And  so  they  could,  and  did  maintain  the  cause. 
In  spite  of  him  and  his  infernal  laws. 
All  adhering  to  the  ancient  creed, 
Were  soon  oppress'd,  and  made  afresh  to  bleed. 
Woes  on  woes,  to  mighty  heaps  arose. 
When  King  and  Parliament  had  been  their  foes-; 


139 

Nothing  left  to  hebetate  their  grief, 

For  each  unfortunate  and  banished  Chief, 

Distressed  by  tyrants  and  dismayed  by  fears, 

They  found  no  ease  but  in  dissolving  tears. 

For  length  of  years  an  odious  government 

Had  stretched  their  sorrows  to  a  great  extent. 

Faukland*  then,  as  to  reduce  their  fine, 

Directed  them  still  to  pursue  a  line 

He  would  select,  for  fear  of  going  astray, 

And  then  he'd  mention  what  they  'd  have  to  pay,t 

*'  Then  send  an  agent  to  the  royal  throne, 

And  all  the  fraud  that  ever  had  been  sown 

Will  be  redressed,  as  he'll;]:  regard  your  state, 

And  all  misfortue  he'll  obliterate, 

Reduce  the  tax  imposed  in  former  years, 

Dry  up  the  widow's  and  the  orphan's  tears." 

A  wicked  humbug  this  had  proved  to  be, 

A  grief  to  some,  to  some  a  jubilee. 

He  took  the  sum  and  put  it  in  his  purse, 

And,  if  not  better,  made  them  ten  times  worse ; 

The  King  with  greed  had  gulped  the  gilded  pill, 

And  left  the  burden  on  their  shoulders  still. 

In  Betty's  reign  they  paid,  without  a  frown. 

Twelve  pence  per  acre  to  the  British  crown. 

For  a  permission  to  remain  at  home. 

And  hear  the  anthems  of  the  Church  of  Borne ; 

As  the  law  was  then,  to  aggravate  their  woe, 

They  could  compel  them  to  that  Church  to  go 

That  whoredom  built,  and  some  departed  lives, 

When  wicked  Harry  was  beheading  wives. 

Reproving  conscience  would  not  give  consent. 

They  paid  the  tax,  and  staid  at  home  content; 

At  that  time  there  was  a  noted  rogue, § 

Who  by  his  talents  brought  himself  in  vogue , 

The  King  had  sent  him,  deputized  and  all, 

As  being  well  fitted  to  attend  the  call. 

*  Fauxland,  the  King's  deputy. 

f  The  Irish  nation  sent  to  Charles  300,000  pounds.     He  took 
the  money,  and  left  them  as  they  were. 
^^    X  The  King.  §  Lord  Wentworth,  Earl  of  Strafford. 


140 

A  bigger  villain  never  was  on  earth, 
Or  no  known  country  never  gave  him  birth ; 
Degrading,  branding  his  young  rising  flock, 
He  lost  his  head  upon  the  fatal  block. 
A  fearful  warning  to  the  wicked  crew, 
For  so  his  master  was  beheaded  too. 
Two  great  parties*  then  in  England  rose, 
That  did  each  other  face  to  face  oppose. 
With  religious  zeal  the  Puritans  put  down 
The  holy  angels  of  the  British  crown. 
That  did  adhere  to  Betty's  new  made  creed, 
But  still  a  newer  and  a  better  made; 
Appearance  then  with  Puritans  was  rife, 
And  then  commenced  the  formidable  strife ; 
He  did  oppose  the  conscientious  men, 
Which  they  considered  blasphemy  and  sin. 
For  nine  long  years  the  villain  robbed  the  Isle 
Of  Saints  of  men,  and  women,  without  guile; 
He  was  then  a  penitent  with  all. 
Was  John  with  some,  with  others  he  was  Paul. 
But  when  he  trod  upon  their  sacred  toes, 
'Twas  then  he  found  they  all  had  been  his  foes, 
In  spite  of  his  fine  eloquence  and  flock. 
He  was  beheaded  on  the  victim's  block ; 
The  second  thought  was  to  behead  the  King, 
And  change  their  winter  to  eternal  spring. 
Poor  Charles,  then,  to  fortify  his  reign. 
Had  deemed  it  prudent  to  encounter  Spain, 
And  for  that  purpose  got  the  English  fleet 
Repaired  and  shrouded,  rigging,  rope  and  sheet; 
Yet,  after  all  his  robbery  before. 
And  all  he  carried  from  the  Irisli  shore. 
Compelled  he  was  to  tax  his  friends  at  home. 
And  did  not  think  of  what  was  yet  to  come. 
The  Puritans  conspir'd  against  the  King, 
•They'd  bear  no  tax  or  such  a  wicked  thing, 
They  told  the.King  they  would  oppose  his  force, 
To  get  assistance  from  some  other  source; 

*  Puritans  and  Episcopalians. 


141 

Still,  more  than  that,  for  his  rapacious  cry, 

The  tyrant  King  would  surely  have  to  die ; 

The  just  reward  of  his  enormous  tax, 

Was  one  strong  blow  of  the  dispatching  axe. 

They  said  to  him,  as  they  stood  face  to  face, 

"  You're    a  scourge  to    earth — to  heaven    a   dire 

disgrace  ; 
Too  late,  dread  tyrant,  now  to  make  amends. 
Your  foes  are  many,  and  you  have  no  friends." 
The  King  at  length  determined  to  subdue 
The  vile,  proud,  haughty,  and  rebellious  crew ; 
Treason  uttered  with  contagious  breath, 
Had  been  deserving  of  immediate  death ; 
He  made  some  efforts  then  to  overthrow 
Each  rabid,  vapid,  and  notorious  foe  ; 
But  all  in  vain,  the  tacit  plan  was  laid, 
Which  worked  precisely  for  the  monarch's  head ; 
Man  knows  not  of  his  approaching  sorrow, 
Well  to-day,  and  in  two  parts  to-morrow. 

The  Rehellion  and  Massacre  of  1641. 

But  ere  the  King  received  the  fatal  stroke, 
There  was  nothing  could  be  seen  but  smoke, 
Where  e'er  your  eyes  would  turn  then  to  gaze, 
You'd  see  the  hamlets  in  a  fearful  blaze. 
The  shrieks  of  women  in  the  midnight  air. 
Would  terrify  the  heart  and  shock  the  ear  ; 
A  dreadful  havoc  then  had  taken  place. 
Sanctioned  by  laws,  and  to  the  King's  disgrace  ; 
With  Vandal  yells  they'd  damn  the  Church  of  Rome, 
Whilst  spearing  children  in  their  mother's  womb  ; 
Then  drag  them  out  and  poise  them  high  in  air, 
The  front  displaying  to  the  men  in  rear, 
The  dying  mother  and  the  murdered  child. 
Vile,  frantic  rage,  had  made  the  demon's  wild. 
As  if  an  inward  monitor  would  tell. 
There  was  no  heaven,  or  yet  no  fear  of  hell ; 
And  so  continued  this  infernal  rage, 
Without  regarding  either  sex  or  age. 


142 

The  Catholics  said  that  they  would  rise  or  fall, 
As  no  concessions  could  be  made  at  all  ; 
The  Chiefs  had  met  to  meditate  the  cause, 
And  act  repugnant  to  the  British  laws  ; 
The  only  way  was  to  preserve  their  lives, 
Their  friends,  their  children  and  their  helpless  wires, 
To  face  the  foe,  and  wade  through  thick  and  thin, 
To  fear  no  danger  and  to  dread  no  sin. 
They  all  consented  to  retaliate, 
And  bear  with  patience  the  decrees  of  fate. 
You  watch  and  see,  when  sleeps  the  gentle  dam, 
The  wolf  devours  her,  and  her  tender  lamb. 
Whereas  defiance  keeps  him  still  at  bay, 
Till  help  does  come  to  drive  the  wolf  away  ; 
Therefore  arise,  for  now  we  go  ahead. 
See,  all  our  kindred  and  our  friends  are  dead. 
Tho'  small  our  gains,  and  smaller  still  our  crimes, 
For  conscience  sake  we  bled  a  thousand  times. 
Think  of  your  children,  and  your  loving  wives. 
We're  bound  as  Christains  to  protect  our  lives. 
They  combined,  and  then  concluded  so. 
To  spare  no  Norman  or  no  British  foe  ; 
Then  like  a  torrent  from  a  mountain's  side, 
Or  like  a  furious  or  rebellious  tide, 
Or  like  fierce  wolves  that  nothing  can  delay, 
Or  curb  their  their  motion  when  in  quest  of  prey  ; 
With  vengeful  hands  they  struck  the  fatal  blow, 
And  show'd  no  mercy  to  the  guileful  foe  ; 
With  purple  gore  the  rivers  then  were  dyed, 
And  human  blood  had  raised  a  rapid  tide  ; 
The  native  Irish,  by  this  strong  attack, 
Most  of  what  they  lost  they  had  gain'd  it  back. 
The  King  then  knew  that  they  were  bound  to  slay^ 
And  that  they^d  fight  as  well  as  they  could  pray ; 
He  gave  concessions  void  of  guilt  or  guile. 
And  peace  once  more  had  burnished  all  the  Isle ; 
When  the  Irish  made  this  formidible  plan, 
•  There  was  a  serpent*  in  the  shape  of  man  ; 

■*  When  the  Irish  assembled  together,  to  impede,  or  take  some 
advantage  of  the  threate^ed  extermination  of  Irish  Catholics, 


143 

He  turned  his  coat,  and  caught  the  fatal  bait, 

A  dreadful  token  for  a  future  state ;  i 

For  turning  it  he  wore  the  golden  fleece,  '' 

And  lived  in  splendor  like  a  King  of  Greece; 

When  Philip  had  his  reputation  won, 

And  was  appointed  King  of  Macedon, 

His  offspring  since  are  numerous  and  great, 

Have  filled  and  fattened  by  the  reprobate, 

And  base  informer,  who  for  sake  of  gold,  y 

A  second  Judas  had  his  master  sold.  ^ 

King  Charles  still,  unwilling  to  resign,  ' 

Or  stain  the  dignity  of  the  regal  line, 

Made  every  effort  to  subdue  his  foes,  -I 

As  thick  in  number  as  the  very  crows.  "V 

Religion  suffers,  it  is  very  strange. 

By  every  sudden  and  revolting  change  ; 

The  King  was  willing  to  uphold  the  creed  i-V 

That  Harry  cherished  in  the  time  of  need. 

When  the  axe  was  sharp,  and  he  was  wanting  wives. 

To  fill  with  honey  his  exhausted  hives  ; 

And  afterwards,  poor  Neddy,  like  a  thrush, 

Had  touched  the  anthems  with  his  holy  brush. 

sanctioned  and  encouraged  by  law,  without  regard  to  either  sex, 
age,  sanctity  or  character,  it  had  been  unanimously  decided 
amongst  them  that  they  should  destroy  the  foe  without  mercy  ; 
the  women  and  children  excepted  ;  and  that  the}'  would  use  the 
same  way  and  means  of  extermination  that  the  Norman  English 
preferred  themselves,  with  the  above  exception.  In  this  con- 
vention it  was  agreed  upon  that  McGuire,  Lord  of  Farrnanagh, 
and  McMahon,  another  lord,  should  be  leaders  of  the  confede- 
racy, to  carry  the  extermination  into  execution.  In  the  assem- 
bly there  was  another  Judas,  whose  name  was  Connelly,  and  who 
was  also  a  servant  of  Lord  McGuire's  ;  who  went  to  the  magis- 
trates and  gave  information  of  the  whole  plot ;  who  were  to  be 
their  leaders,  and  how  they  were  determined  to  carry  their  de- 
signs into  execution.  The  noble  lords  were  immediately  arrest- 
ed ;  and  executed  immediately  after  their  arrest,  at  Tyburn. 
Connelly,  the  degraded  informer,  soon  after  embraced  the  Pro- 
testant religion,  for  his  changing  and  treachery  got  a  vast 
estate,  and  had  been  created  a  peer  ;  that  is  conferring  dignity 
and  emolument  on  hira  at  once  for  his  treachery.  Though 
Connelly  is  an  original  and  ancient  name,  still  of  that  name 
there  was  a  Judas,  to  be  found. 


But  pious  Bess,  the  finisher  of  all, 
Enlarged  the  work,  for  then  it  was  too  small. 
Though  some  improvement  has  been  daily  made, 
And  will  be  so  while  idle  drones  are  paid ; 
The  independents  then,  historians  tell, 
With  loud  applause  and  a  notorious  yell, 
Rushed  all  together  to  destroy  their  creed, 
As  for  this  humbug  they  would  have  no  need, 
For  every  man  could  steer  a  future  course, 
Without  exhausting  all  his  little  source 
With  idle  drones  who  had  no  right  to  pray, 
Who  were  mere  strangers  to  the  righteous  way  ; 
Let  man  be  hence  his  own  unerring  guide, 
And  from  this  maxim  never  stray  or  hide. 
The  book  is  plain,  a  fool  can  demonstrate 
The  better  passage  to  a  future  state. 
This  was  the  precept  they  established  then, 
A  guide  unerring  for  the  faith  of  men ; 
Vile  Cromwell  then  had  an  attentive  ear. 
And  joined  the  class,  had  nothing  still  to  fear, 
The  standing  army  sanctioned  his  control, 
Among  them  all,  not  a  dissenting  soul 
Could  then  be  found,  all  pushing  on  the  cause. 
And  marked  with  pleasure  all  of  Cromwell's  laws 
Deserted  Charles,  left  him  to  his  fate. 
Exclaiming  loudly,  he  had  ruined  the  state. 
And  fearing  Charles  would  again  recruit. 
They  raised  the  yell,  and  joined  in  the  pursuit. 
The  wretched  King,  when  he  was  left  alone. 
Without  a  friend  that  he  could  call  his  own. 
Had  said,  the  persecution  that  arose. 
And  had  been  practiced  by  immortal  foes. 
Because  concessions  he  had  made  of  late. 
To  quell  the  strife,  and  try  to  regulate 
With  Irish  Chiefs  ;  that  that  had  been  the  cause. 
That  they*  destroyed  and  mutilated  laws, 
And  called  on  themf  for  a  protecting  hand. 
But  save  himself  that  he  would  save  the  land, 

*  Crom-well  and  his  followers.        f  The  Irish  nation. 


145 

That  land  he  deluged,  with  Milesian  blood, 
Which  made  the  rivers  to  appear  as  blood ; 
Audacious  villain,  hard  must  be  his  fate. 
To  call  the  Irish  from  their  native  state. 
0  !  guileless  race  !  how  credulous  they  are,  ■ 
In  time  of  peace,  and  in  the  time  of  war. 
The  serpent  comes,  and  with  a  breath  impure, 
He  knows  he  can  their  confidence  secure ; 
He  gives  his  tale  a  most  commanding  hue, 
They  hear  it  all, 'and  say  it  must  be  true ; 
They  can't  believe  a  lie,  he  could  relate 
Till  they're  entrap'd,  and  find  it  out  too  late. 
Yet,  this  don't  teach  them  to  avoid  the  sin, 
He  tells  the  tale,  and  they  believe  again, 
The  reason  why  I  will  investigate. 
They  think  that  man  is  not  to  fabricate. 
The  Irish  did  unanimously  agree. 
To  aid  the  King,  and  set  his  kingdom  free ; 
The  second  Charles  was  the  proper  heir, 
Who  was  entitled  to  the  royal  Chair  ; 
Let  what  will  come,  he  is  the  proper  spring 
And  regal  son  of  the  beheaded  King, 
We  must  assist  him  now  to  wrest  his  crown 
From  a  usurper,  and  a  British  clown. 
These  were  the  words  the  Irish  said  in  vain, 
Not  tacitly,  but  in  a  louder  strain. 
Soon  Cromwell  heard  these  tantalizing  words ; 
He  then  prepared  his  cannon  and  his  swords. 
Twelve  thousand  men  he  had  transported  o'er, 
And  landed  safely  on  the  Irish  shore ; 
He  was  supplied  with  money  and  with  means. 
And  soon  expected  to  augment  his  gains. 
Although  that  Isle  was  robbed  a  thousand  times, 
For  nothing  else  but  for  the  want  of  crimes. 
And  yet  he  thought  there  was  a  something  still, 
That  was  worth  robbing,  or  that  he  could  kill ; 
He  had  with  him  some  prairie  birds  of  fame, 
A  man  would  think  that  out  of  hell  they  came, 
A  wicked  crew  that  would  no  mercy  give. 
To  e'en  the  blind,  nor  let  a  child  to  live ; 
13 


146 

Nothing  else  could  be  expected  than 

A  frightful  outrage  on  the  laws  of  man, 

Far  worse  than  Satan  was  their  ruling  head,* 

He'd  kill  the  living  and  he'd  rob  the  dead 

Without  contrition  or  the  fear  of  sin, 

That  God  may  damn  him  pray  you  all,  amen. 

But  hush,  my  friends,  you  have  no  need  to  pray, 

He  is  in  hell  and  there  he'll  have  to  stay. 

He  and  his  men  to  Drogheda  repaired, 

And  well  for  action  they  had  been  prepared, 

He  had  his  cannon  and  his  thousands  all. 

To  face  at  once  a  great  stupendous  wall ; 

AVithin  the  wall  five  thousand  men  did  lie, 

Bent  to  defend  it,  otherwise  to  die. 

Of  daring  spirits  to  protect  the  state, 

Who  met  with  death,  for  that  had  been  their  fate. 

AVith  heavy  cannon  Cromwell  made  a  breach, 

Yet  did  his  men  with  cowardice  impeach. 

Time  after  time,  they  had  been  driven  back. 

Till  frequent  races  made  a  heavy  track. 

When  Cromwell  saw  how  things  had  come  to  pass. 

As  he  sustained  a  very  heavy  loss. 

He  grasp'd  his  sword,  which  show'd  that  he  was  bravo, 

And  cried  out  "Victory,  or  else  the  grave:" 

He  rushed,  himself,  regardless  of  his  life. 

Right  through  the  breach,  to  terminate  the  strife ; 

The  men  within,  with  vigor  did  assail. 

But  yet  his  thousands  did  at  last  prevail. 

Then  Cromwell  cried,  "  I  now  command  the  peace, 

Let  every  man  from  dire  destruction  cease;" 

'Twas  thus  he  cried,  for  he  was  losing  fast. 

Though  fully  bent  to  have  revenge  at  last, 

"  Your  brave  resistance  wont  admit  disgrace, 

You  are  but  few,  and  I  will  keep  the  place ; 

Therefore  give  up,  and  I  will  be  your  friend, 

I  want  the  place,  and  nothing  more  depend." 

When  he  said  this,  then  every  man  resigned. 

Relaxed  his  efforts,  and  to  peace  inclined. 

*  Cromwell. 


14T 

But  woe  to  them  that  did  resign  at  all. 

Or  paid  attention  to  his  cries  or  call ; 

That  fatal  hour,  that  was  decreed  by  fate, 

The  guileful,  awful,  direful  reprobate, 

Gave  orders  then  to  put  them  to  the  sword, 

To  a  ferocious  and  unholy  horde. 

Who  rushed  together  countless  to  destroy, 

Like  pagan  Grecians  sacking  pagan  Troy. 

Defenceless  men  they  had  consoled  before. 

They  slew,  hacked,  murdered,  till  they  were  no  more 

This  rage  continued  five  successive  days, 

Which  demons  love,  and  which  the  English  praise, 

But  few  were  left  to  tell  the  fatal  doom, 

"The  carnage  spreading  universal  gloom. 

Historians  say,  that  some  like  twenty  men 

Made  their  escape,  who  were  confined  within. 

Some  pious  priests,  that  never  did  no  harm. 

Without  a  sword  to  nerve  the  saintly  arm, 

Had  been  within  to  sanctify,  and  pray 

For  those  that  died  in  that  tremendous  fray, 

He  put  to  death — remorseless  plunged  the  steely 

And  caused  a  wound  the  villain  could  not  heal. 

This  long  succession  of  afflicting  woes. 

They  still  must  bear  from  unrelenting  foes. 

But  thirty  men  remained,  'tis  said,  of  all 

That  lived,  unknown  to  either  sword  or  ball; 

All  citizens  were  butchered  with  the  rest, 

By  that  unlucky,  godless,  brutal  beast. 

The  thirty  men,  when  he  did  well  revile, 

Then  sent  them  prisoners  to  a  foreign  Isle.* 

When  rage  and  malice,  with  vindictive  care. 

Finished  their  labors  in  conjunction  there, 

From  thence  the  ruthless  Cromwell  steered  his  course 

And  had  with  him  a  very  strenuous  force ; 

He  left  behind  him  many  of  his  friends, 

Who  lived  as  dogs,  and  died  the  same  as  fiends. 

He  went  to  Wexford,  to  complete  the  work, 

The  stern,  furious,  and  relentless  Turk ; 

*  Barbadoes. 


148 

There,  as  before,  there  did  escape  but  few. 
He  slew  the  women  and  the  children  too. 
The  sad  alarm  universal  spread, 
And  nothing  could  be  seen  but  heaps  of  dead. 
Remorseless,  ruthless,  godless,  heartless,  then, 
Destroyed,  unmercifully,  helpless  men. 
Unmitigated  rage  had  edged  his  steel, 
He  had  no  ears  to  hear,  or  heart  to  feel ; 
The  screams  of  dying  babes  were  his  delight, 
No  peace  had  he  by  day — no  rest  by  night ; 
A  troubled  conscience  gave  the  imp  no  rest. 
He  knew  no  mirth — as  terror  filled  his  breast ; 
The  enemy  of  God,  to  man  a  foe. 
He  had  no  match  on  earth,  or  yet  below, 
In  that  dire  pit,  where  devils  disagree, 
He  is  unmatched,  and  will  forever  be. 

Dr.  Lingard  describes  this  massacre  thus : — "No 
distinction  was  made  between  the  defenceless  inhabi- 
tants and  the  armed  soldiers  ;  nor  could  the  shrieks 
of  three  hundred  females,  who  gathered  round  the 
great  cross,  preserve  them  from  the  swords  of  those 
ruthless  barbarians." 

When  there,  as  usual,  Cromwell  did  destroy 
Each  man  and  woman,  babe  and  beardless  boy. 
He  thought  he  should  then  to  Dungannon  steer. 
And  kill,  unmercifully,  the  people  there. 
The  governor  heard  of  Cromwell's  near  approach, 
And  he  resisted — fearing  he'd  encroach  ; 
And  with  small  aid,  which  added  to  his  fame. 
He  made  him  travel  back  the  road  he  came. 
He  counted  heads  when  he  returned  back. 
And  found  there  was  a  very  heavy  lack ; 
The  tiger  growled  at  such  a  serious  loss, 
And  at  the  disappointment  that  came  to  pass ; 
He  vowed  revenge,  and  said  it  should  prevail, 
And  be  inflicted  on  the  great  O'Neill. 
Then  off  he  came  in  haste  to  do  the  deed, 
Urged  by  a  double  malice  for  his  creed ; 


149 

The  ruthless  tyrant  travelled  night  and  day, 

With  force  superior,  and  unbounded  sway  ; 

As  knowing  well  that  he  would  soon  assail 

The  peerless,  dauntless  chieftain,  Hugh  O'Neill. 

But  that  flushed  hope,  that  did  before  inspire, 

At  seeing  his  rival  did  at  once  expire. 

A  captive  Bishop,  who  took  up  his  cross, 

Who  had  been  taken  at  the  siege  of  Ross, 

There  Cromwell  thought  to  victimize  the  saint, 

Though,  knowing  his  end,  was  never  known  to  faint. 

The  horrid,  cruel,  and  audacious  scamp, 

Had  brought  the  Bishop  to  the  Prince's  camp  ;* 

Oppressive  po'wer,  and  insulting  pride, 

The  saintly  man  did  all  the  way  deride ; 

Though  Cromwell  said  that  he  may  go  in  peace. 

If  from  resistance  he'd  in  future  cease, 

And  preach  obedience  to  the  tyrant's  sway — 

Thus  speaking  nonsense  to  him  all  the  way. 

The  saintly  Bishop  seemed  though  he  were  glad, 

Still  praying  in  silence  to  Almighty  God. 

The  captive,  brought  to  preach  obedience  then, 

And  non-resistance  to  his  countrymen, 

He  thought  the  fear  of  death  would  operate, 

And  his  sound  language  would  be  moderate. 

Instead  of  that,  the  captive  spoke  at  large, 

And  gave  his  countrymen  this  serious  charge. 

The  Bishop  spoke,  and  spoke  so  very  free, 

"  Combine,  unite,  and  let  a  union  be 

Among  yourselves,  against  your  mortal  foe. 

Excited  passions,  strike  a  fatal  blow, 

This  haughty  tyrant  who  has  caused  a  flood, 

To  flow  in  rivers  of  Milesian  blood ; 

My  hours  are  few,  I  am  resigned  to  fate, 

Here  I'm  bound  a  captive  in  this  state ; 

'Tis  better  suff*er  than  to  live  a  slave, 

You'll  gather  laurels  on  a  patriot's  grave ; 

Resist  your  foes,  and  neither  fear  nor  fly, 

For  in  that  state  it  is  a  shame  to  die." 

*  O'Neill's  camp. 
13* 


150 

He  spoke  these  words,  not  caring  for  his  doom, 

Another  Regulus  near  the  wall  of  Rome. 

No  sooner  said  than  he  was  forced  to  feel 

A  weighty  axe,  that  had  been  made  of  steel. 

O'Neill  was  fixed,  and  well  entrench'd  before, 

With  fourteen  hundred — (lacking  just  a  score) 

Of  brave  provincials  to  dispute  the  ground, 

The  cries  of  come  did  every  where  resound. 

But  Cromwell  then  was  willing  to  obey, 

And  tho't  their  shouts  was  nothing  more  than  play. 

But,  to  his  cost,  he  found  O'Neill  was  there. 

Who  banish'd  hope,  and  threw  him  in  despair. 

Little  he  thought,  that  his  small  aid  could  say, 

This  haughty  tyrant  we  will  keep  at  bay. 

Not  that  alone,  but  oft  did  overthrow 

The  countless  legions  of  the  guileful  foe, 

He  thought  it  prudent  to  withdraw  with  care 

Beyond  the  town,  to  seek  advantage  there. 

For  sixty  days  he  did  not  move  from  thence, 

Or  made  an  effort  to  attack  the  Prince. 

The  Prince  removed*  when  all  his  store  was  out, 

And  then  was  forced  to  take  another  route. 

That  base,  perfidious,  and  ferocious  foe. 

With  schemes  atrocious,  gave  a  fatal  blow 

To  that  fair  gem,  which  was  the  Isle  of  Saints, 

Free  from  interior  or  exterior  taints. 

That  matchless  savage,  whose  enormous  crimes, 

With  deeds  of  horror,  signalized  the  times. 

Defenceless  peasants  he  arrested  all, 

The  old,  the  young,  the  middling  and  the  small. 

And  them  transported — which  had  been  his  trade — 

As  Irish  rebels,  of  the  lowest  grade. 

His  daily  thoughts  and  his  nocturnal  dreams. 

Were  thinking,  planning,  fabricating  schemes, 

To  give  at  once  a  universal  blow. 

And  put  an  end  to  every  Irish  foe ; 

*  O'Neill  moved  to  Waterford,  and  those  that  remained  be- 
hind in  the  town,  (Tiperary,)  made  an  easy  compromise  with 
Oliver ;  thinking  lie  had  the  garrison  within  his  reach,  not 
knowing  that  O'Neill  had  taken  his  departure  from  hence. 


151 

Which,  if  he  did,  would  then  have  holy  been, 

To  what  they  heard,  felt,  and  afterwards  had  seen. 

No  poet  could  in  them,  or  in  these  times, 

Tell,  or  yet  enumerate  his  crimes. 

In  Cromwell's  time,  yet  to  support  his  cause. 

He  left  three  wolves  in  Dublin,  making  laws ; 

The  names,  indeed,  of  those  infectious  drones, 

Were  Fleetwood,  Ludlow,  and  notorious  Jones. 

The  laws  they  made  it  is  a  shame  to  tell, 

Would  stigmatize  the  very  imps  of  hell. 

It  read  as  thus,  the  venerable  code. 

It  had  been  then  the  fashionable  mode : 

"  Now,  any  Priest  that  you  can  catch  or  find, 

That's  either  sound,*  or  otherwise  in  mind, 

You  hang  him  up,  until  he  is  half  dead, 

And  then  be  sure  you  do  cut  off  his  head ; 

And  after  that,  I'll  tell  you  what  to  do. 

Do  not  forget  to  have  him  quarter'd  too ; 

Burn  his  entrails,  with  exceeding  care. 

And  show  the  rest  a  good  example  there  ; 

Then  place  his  head  upon  a  naked  pole. 

And  such,  you  know,  will  terify  the  whole  : 

And  for  each  head,  full  of  rebellious  pranks. 

You'll  get  five  pounds,  and  our  collective  thanks." 

The  Lord  had  heard  such  vile  directions  given, 

That  must  offend  the  very  saints  in  heaven. 

All  Ireland,  then,  was  parcel'd  out  to  those 

Who  aided  Cromwell  to  subdue  his  foes. 

Always  he'd  style  them  a  rebellious  race, 

Who  had  no  title  to  their  native  place. 

Every  follower  got  a  rich  domain. 

The  cook,  the  butler,  and  the  man  insane ; 

All  fared  luxuriously  on  Irish  soil. 

Rich,  verdant  vallies,  paid  them  for  their  toil ; 

The  hideous  monster  with  a  murdering  hand. 

The  more  he  kill'd,  the  more  he  got  of  land ; 


*  At  that  time,  in  consequence  of  violent  outrages  committed 
on  the  persons  of  Priests,  by  brutal  ruflBans,  many  of  them 
were   considered,  in  mind,  in  a  state  of  aberration. 


152 

His  guilty  conscience  to  revive  and  cheer, 
Had  been  created  an  amazing  peer. 
But,  long  since  in  retribution's  name, 
He  was  well  paid  for  his  created  fame.* 
Yet,  the  foul  monster,  or  the  man  of  sin, 
Had  been  ejected  from  his  station  then, 
And  royal  Charles  did  ascend  the  throne, 
To  quell  the  widow's  grief,  the  orphan's  moan. 
If  not  blood  thirsty,  his  fallacious  ways 
Could  not  admit  of  any  kind  of  praise. 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  1660,  Charles  XL,  son 
of  the  decapitated  King,  ascended  the  throne  of 
England.  Every  one  was  glad  of  his  elevation, 
particularly  the  Irish  Catholics.  They  seemed 
desirous  of  any  change;  for  no  change  could  make 
them  worse.  But  his  coronation  did  not  afford 
them  much  relief,  or  hardly  any  renovation  for  the 
better.  Charles  was  full  of  intrigues,  treachery, 
and  uncertainty,  and  no  dependance  could  be 
attributed  to  his  promises. 

King  Charles,  then,  like  other  Kings,  was  great. 
When  fortune  plac'd  him  in  the  Chair  of  State. 
His  subjects  then  had  altogether  said. 
He'd  heal  the  wounds  that  were  already  made ; 
His  first  attempt  was  to  deface  the  Kirk, 
And  this  debauch  had  caused  a  pleasing  smirk. 
To  all  the  preachers  of  that  faith  and  creed, 
He  would  give  nothing  of  a  bounteous  meed, 
And,  if  they  pray'd,  as  he  would  make  them  fast. 
Without  a  doubt  they'd  go  to  heaven  at  last. 
Elizabeth's  creed  engraven  in  his  heart. 
And  from  its  follies  he  would  not  depart : 
As  its  adoption  he  consider'd  best, 
He  thouorht  it  proper  to  destroy  the  rest. 
Although  his  faith  was  sometimes  made  of  wax. 
It  varied  oft  as  to  avoid  the  axe ; 

*  Below  stairs. 


153 

He  had  to  mould  it  trying  still  to  please, 

And  was  a  stranger  to  agreeable  ease. 

It  seem'd  quite  plain  that  he  was  always  bound 

To  hold  with  the  hare,  and  not  outrun  the  hound. 

But  such  a  course  oft  proves,  that  in  the  end, 

We  catch  a  foe,  and  surely  lose  a  friend. 

It  shows  a  mind  built  on  a  sandy  base. 

Yet,  running  fast  will  never  win  the  race. 

The  Irish  still  assisted  to  defeat 

Poor  Charley's  foes,  and  to  defend  the  state ; 

But,  Stuart-like,  he  soon  forgot  that  they 

Gave  any  help  to  organise  his  sway. 

Ere  he  landed,  commissioners  were  sent, 

And  strong  entreaties,  to  a  great  extent, 

Excluding  Irish  from  official  seats. 

They  ran  as  thus  :  "  Each  loyal  subject  greets 

The  joyful  news  of  your  return  as  King, 

To  change  dark  winter  to  perpetual  spring ; 

But,  sire,  remember  to  exclude  that  race 

From  trust,  from  post,  from  office  and  from  place : 

Though  still  contending  for  your  restoration, 

Be  sure  you  claim  of  them  a  decimation 

Of  what  they're  worth,  us  to  support  the  crown, 

This  adds  a  jewel  to  your  own  renown. 

Adhere  unerringly  to  Cromwell's  laws. 

And  you  defend  them  with  a  royal  clause. 

Or  else  the  friends  who  offer  you  this  brief, 

Will  turn  your  foes, — and  then  begins  your  grief; 

You  think  now.  King,  of  what  we  all  desire, 

And  shun  the  fate  awaited  on  your  sire." 

These  works  were  written  in  the  very  brief 

That  they  presented  to  their  King  and  Chief. 

'T  is  true  enough,  the  King  supported  all, 

And  meditated  nothing  but  the  fall 

Of  Irishmen,  who  fought  in  front  and  rear. 

To  prove  that  Charley  was  the  royal  heir. 

Who  fought  his  battles  without  fault  or  fear. 

From  day  to  day,  and  yet  from  year  to  year. 

When  all  deserted  from  the  royal  cause. 

They  stood  faithful  to  maintain  his  laws. 


154 

Yet  all  in  vain,  no  gratitude  was  there, 
But  hollow  sounding  from  the  royal  chair. 
Charles  plac'd  two  villains*  in  that  Isle,t 
Whose  acts  and  morals  would  a  saint  defile, 
That  always  did  oppose  the  Stuart  race, 
And  help'd  vile  Cromwell  to  usurp  his  place. 
Stuart-like,  he  soon  forgot  his  friends, 
And  thought  of  nothing  but  to  make  amends 
To  his  dire  foes,  and  the  infernal  stock 
That  laid  his  father's  head  upon  the  block. 
And  with  the  axe  in  Harry's  time  had  been 
Of  purple  die  from  each  beheaded  Queen, 
Then  with  one  blow  that  had  excited  glee, 
They  launched  their  King  into  eternity. 
Such  were  the  men  that  Charles  did  restore, 
He  made  them  richer,  though  being  rich  before. 
The  royal  King  was  of  the  Stuart  race, 
And  well  adapted  to  fulfil  his  place. 
It  was  his  way  to  have  forsaken  those 
Who  were  his  friends,  and  to  adhere  to  foes. 
A  course  uncertain,  though  the  course  intends 
To  change  our  foes  into  unerring  friends ; 
'Tis  very  seldom  we  can  change  the  mind. 
Give  what  you  will,  there  is  a  sting  behind  ; 
Or  if  you  give,  don't  say  you'll  give  no  more, 
Or  all  is  lost  that  you  did  give  before. 
So  with  the  King,  he  did  not  stop  at  all, 
But  fed  the  ox  that  had  been  in  the  stall ; 
The  greedy  cormorants  were  craving  still, 
And  he  allow'd  them  all  to  have  their  fill ; 
Eight  million  acres  of  the  Irish  soil, 
Then  had  been  granted  to  requite  their  toil. 
The  confiscations  Cromwell  had  first  made. 
King  Charles  sanction'd,  and  confirm'd  the  said. 
His  friends  immerg'd  in  misery  and  woe, 
To  feed  and  nourish  his  immortal  foe. 
In  Charley's  time,  a  most  notorious  spyj 
Had  then  excited  the  old  humbug  cry — 

*  Coot  and  Brougbill.  f  Ireland.  X  Titas  Gates. 


155 

"  Papists  !  Papists  !  will  destroy  and  slay- 
All  modern  Christians  that  found  out  the  way 
To  righteous  heaven,  that  neither  pray  nor  fast, 
We  are  the  best,  although  we  are  the  last ; 
Apart,  indeed,  from  any  pious  work. 
Our  faith  would  save  an  unconverted  Turk, 
Were  he  to  kill  a  dozen  of  this  race,* 
Among  our  saints  his  name  would  get  a  place ; 
Run  and  be  armed  for  the  coming  strife, 
You  cannot  tell  the  hour  you  lose  your  life ; 
For  a  protection  don't  expect  or  hope, 
The  thing  is  sanctioned  by  the  very  Pope ; 
Spread  the  alarm  ;  cry,  my  friends,  aloud ; 
But  be  you  careful  when  you'll  see  a  crowd, 
Unless  you  know  our  saints  assembled  there. 
Who  spurn  good  works,  and  every  idle  prayer, 
St.  Ann,  St.  Bess,  and  the  good  St.  King  Harry, 
The  kind  old  man  that  did  his  daughter  marry." 

It  is  said,  and  I  believe,  without  substituting  a 
lie  in  the  place  of  veracity,  that  Ann  Boleyn  was 
the  daughter  of  Henry  YIII,  by  one  of  the  maids 
of  honor  ;  and  at  the  time  the  King  wanted  to 
marry  Ann,  her  mother  did  endeavour  to  prohibit 
the  marriage,  and  it  is  said  that  on  her  bended 
knees  she  reminded  him  of  their  connection,  and 
declared  solemnly  to  him  that  she  was  his  daughter  ; 
and  that  the  answer  the  King  made  was,  that  if 
she  were  the  devil's  daughter,  she  should  be  his 
wife ;  and,  indeed,  she  could  be  nothing  else  if  she 
were  the  illegitimate  daughter  of  old  Harry. 

This  noted  thief,  for  this  excited  fear, 

Had  then  received  twelve  thousand  pounds  a  year. 

Titas  then  had  nothing  more  to  do. 

As  he  knew  all,  but  swear  to  all  he  knew. 

The  base  informer,  of  the  basest  kind. 

Defective,  guileful,  in  his  heart  and  mind. 

*  Catbolie. 


156 

Poor,  proud,  pitiful,  and  audacious  too, 

For  a  small  sum  would  swear  that  black  was  blue ; 

Many  an  orphan  he  had  make  to  weep. 

And  many  a  mother  he  deprived  of  sleep  ; 

Excessive  grief  had  made  them  grieve  and  moan, 

And  that  on  the  strength  of  his  bare  oath  alone. 

The  lofty  trees  that  tower'd  o'er  the  rest. 

He  cut  them  down,  for  they  had  been  the  best ; 

It  made  no  matter,  right  or  wrong  the  way, 

As  he  was  certain  of  his  ample  pay  : 

He  stain'd  the  soil,  indeed,  with  human  gore, 

So  big  a  fiend  was  never  known  before. 

The  jails  were  full,  and  felons  were  let  go, 

All  to  increase  and  aggravate  the  woe 

Of  those  aggrieved  a  thousand  times  before, 

And  had  no  feeling  yet  to  feel  no  more. 

Each  starving  demon  got  a  handsome  fee. 

And  was  commission'd  with  exulting  glee. 

To  watch  the  rebels  with  assiduous  care,* 

And  have  no  scruples  when  he'd  go  to  swear ; 

No  matter  what  he  either  heard  or  saw. 

The  very  thing  was  very  good  in  law. 

What  Titas  miss'd,  it's  then  they  had  to  moan, 

They  gave  in  names  that  never  had  been  known, 

Until  their  actions  would  indeed  disgrace 

The  vilest  faction  of  the  human  race. 

Poor  Fox,  the  Quaker,  had  been  clapp'd  in  jail. 

Oft  he  offered,  but  they'd  take  no  bail. 

For  his  perversion  of  the  sacred  truth. 

In  their  opinion,  was  corrupting  youth. 

The  Scotch  he  punished  for  their  faith  and  creed, 

And  he  well  knew  how  Catholics  could  bleed  ; 

The  day  he  died,  he  left  behind  the  flames 

To  be  extinguished  by  his  brother  James. 

The  flames  behind  he  had  to  feel  no  more, 

But  had  to  feel  the  hellish  flames  before. 


*  This  was  still  the  appellation  given  to  the  inoffensive  Irish, 
by  their  oppressors. 


157 

Hear  what  the  historian  Mooney  says,  concern- 
ing Charles  IJ,  I  will  give  his  own  words : — 
"  Charles  died  on  the  6th  of  February,  1685,  in 
the  midst  of  political  troubles,  and  was  succeeded 
by  his  brother,  the  celebrated  James  II.  On  his 
accession  to  the  throne,  he  released  from  prison, 
several  thousand  Catholics,  who  were  kept^ confined 
for  not  attending^  Protestant  worship.  He  also 
discharged  1200  Quakers,  who  were  in  imprison- 
ment for  some  religious  offence."  • 


James  11,  ascended  the  Throne  in  the  year  1685. 

King  Charles  died  and  left  behind  in  flames, 
All  sects  and  parties  to  his  brother  James ; 
Feuds,  broils,  commotions,  had  been  very  rife, 
A  Solon  could  not  regulate  the  strife. 
Though  James  did  all  that  any  man  could  do. 
To  wrest  the  oppress'd  from  the  oppressor's  screw, 
Twelve  hundred  Quakers  he  released  from  jail. 
Long  there  confin'd,  and  dare  not  enter  bail ; 
To  some  Catholics,  he  did  then  restore. 
The  honest  rights  that  they  had  lost  before, 
Enacted  laws  that  were  considered  good. 
And  stopp'd  the  rage  for  shedding  human  blood. 
Every  silly,  visionary  dream. 
No  matter  what,  or  whence  the  vision  came, 
If  not  injurious  to  a  Christian  act,  '• 

It  had  been  sanctioned  as  a  sacred  fact. 
Can  erring  men  produce  unerring  ways. 
It  cannot  be  indeed  the  scripture  says  : 
Can  figs  on  thorns  to  perfection  grow. 
Or  grapes  on  thistles  ?  mind  the  answer,  no. 
Self  commission  gives  a  man  consent. 
How  can  he  preach  unless  the  man  be  sent  ? 
It  made  no  matter,  he  had  room  to  pray. 
And  preach  his  nonsense  in  the  open  day. 
Every  man  at  leisure  did  pursue, 
Whate'er  his  conscience  told  him  to  be  true. 
14 


158 

This  law  extended  to  the  weak  and  strong, 

Which  was  but  right  and  otherwise  was  wrong  ; 

Though  James  indulged  and  tolerated  all, 

He  could  not  heal  the  ulcerated  gall 

That  malice  hatched  in  every  grave  divine,* 

Who  hated  lean  and  lov'd  the  fattest  kine. 

As  being  acquainted  with  the  dainty  dishes, 

They  swore  allegiance  to  the  loaves  and  fishes ; 

And  soon  got  jealous  of  the  ancient  creed. 

For  fear  'twould  cancel  or  decrease  their  meed, 

And  other  sects  were  starting  at  their  heels. 

Some  shouting,  jumping,  and  some  dancing  reels, 

Others  again  with  more  exterior  grace, 

They  feared  would  soon  eject  them  out  of  place ; 

Their  fears  at  once  excited  them  to  stay 

Such  frantic,  frolic,  and  fantastic  play. 

These  grave  divines  united  force  to  force, 

To  stay,  retard,  and  supercede  their  course. 

From  what  they  heard,  and  evidently  saw, 

They  thought  it  proper  to  resist  the  law  ; 

They  blam'd  the  King,  for  the  indulgence  given, 

To  every  sect,  to  find  a  road  to  heaven. 

The  King  and  laws  they  all  did  disobey. 

Which  gave  permission  to  begin  the  play ; 

Then  thousands  fell  beneath  the  wicked  spleen, 

Of  wayward,  wicked,  and  audacious  men. 

The  grave  divines  declaring  as  a  cause, 

4 or  acting  then  against  enacted  laws, 
hat  in  his  acts  a  tendency  had  been. 
To  help  strange  sects  in  generating  sin. 
Cromwell's  grants  they  would  retain  them  still. 
In  spite  of  acts,  and  of  the  sovereign's  will  ; 
Now  think  of  them,  and  you  will  think  the  more, 
Who  swore  allegiance  to  the  King  before  ; 
Now,  were  they  honest,  conscientious  men. 
That  turned  about  and  broke  that  oath  again  ; 
Each  man  entrusted  with  a  shepherd's  care, 
As  was  his  duty  did  allegiance  swear ; 

*  Church  of  England  Ministers. 


159 

But  for  the  sake  of  his  dishonest  pelf. 

He  turned  around,  and  had  debauched  himself. 

The  flocks  instructed  bj  such  holy  men, 

Were  inaccessible  to  a  venial  sin, 

About  that  time,  not  brought  about  by  chance, 

A  revolution  did  occur  in  France, 

The  Jacobins  fled,  and  cover'd  with  disgrace, 

To  find  protection  in  some  other  place ; 

Their  means  were  small,  but  soon  augmented  where, 

They  had  found  refuge  and  assiduous  care. 

In  that  sweet  Isle'*'  where  Ceres  treads  the  dew, 

And  gives  the  lily  its  exquisite  hue. 

Where  milk  and  honey  at  that  time  did  flow, 

And  cheerful  smiles  did  dissipate  their  woe. 

Now,  sad  the  lot  of  that  unhappy  land, 

That  stretch'd  to  strangers  once  a  generous  hand, 

Oppressive  laws  have  brough  them  to  disgrace, 

And  left  them  begging  from  some  other  place. 

King  James  commended,  in  his  tender  brief, 

To  all  those  strangers  then  to  get  relief. 

Which  shows  the  King  was  very  good  to  all, 

Though  fate  predicted  his  immediate  fall. 

James  again  insisted  men  were  free, 

And  every  sect  had  been  at  liberty 

To  preach  the  gospel  as  their  conscience  told, 

Within  the  limits  of  their  new  made  fold. 

This  act  excited  universal  glee. 

But  High  Church  Lords  disliking  the  decree,         ^ 

Refus'd  to  name  it  in  their  law-made  Church, 

Or  bring  the  new  lights  from  their  hidden  lurch, 

And  more  than  that,  the  Mother  Church  of  all, 

Had  lanc'd  and  prob'd  their  ulcerated  gall ; 

They  thought  resistance  to  her  future  sway, 

A  sure  direction  to  the  righteous  way. 

The  law-made  Priests,  would  no  submission  make, 

Though  bound  in  duty  for  allegiance's  sake ; 

The  King  indignant  took  another  course. 

And  thought  the  clergy  to  obedience  force, 

*  Ireland. 


160 

He  brought  their  lordships  then  before  the  law, 

But  in  the  action  no  defect  they  saw ; 

"They  then  acquitted  each  rebellious  lord, 

And  that  no  pleasure  did  the  King  afford. 

The  lads  at  once  did  set  the  King  at  nought. 

And  thought  his  mandates  were  not  worth  a  groat ; 

The  Bench  of  Judges  were  rebellious  too, 

And  this  the  King  sooq  afterwards  well  knew. 

The  next  attempt  was  to  dethrone  the  King, 

A  dire  conclusion  and  a  daring  thing. 

Through  a  design  he  had  defeated  been, 

The  sad  result  of  an  invidious  spleen  ; 

The  men  who  swore  to  his  protection  strong, 

Had  sworn  again,  that  what  they  swore  was  wrong. 

They  swore  that  James  was  head  of  Church  and 

State, 
And  yet,  digesting  his  approaching  fate. 
They  swore  allegiance  with  a  holy  sigh. 
And  well  they  knew  that  they  had  sworn  a  lie. 
Those  human  angels,  made  by  human  laws. 
Had  died  regretted  for  that  very  cause. 
They  sent  for  William,  Prince  of  Orange  then. 
To  chain  the  lion  in  the  lion's  den. 
There  blunt  his  fangs,  and  pare  his  lengthy  claws, 
For  fear  his  actions  would  impair  the  cause, 
Then  act  as  King,  and  they  would  sign  his  brief. 
But  give  them  mutton,  and  the  best  of  beef; 
Without  a  doubt  they  would  his  laws  maintain, 
And  swear  allegiance  to  his  future  reign. 
So  Billy  sail'd,  and  landed  in  Torbay,* 
An  indication  of  approaching  fray. 
He  there  remained — like  Noah  in  the  ark — 
And  gave  the  lords  a  little  time  to  bark ; 
Who  fear'd  the  failure  of  a  direful  spring, 
And  schemes  attempted  to  dethrone  the  King. 
But  Billy,  then,  impatient  back  to  sail, 
Lay  to,  awaiting  for  a  prosperous  gale ; 
Though  strong  temptations  made  him  cross  the  main, 
He  seemed  determined  to  return  again, 

*  He  landed  on  the  6th  of  November,  1688. 


161 

Unless  assistance  should  arrive  in  time, 

As  nothing  else  could  mitigate  the  crime. 

The  English  lords  to  palliate  their  crime. 

Had  all  concluded  then  to  lose  no  time. 

As  things  were  carried  to  such  great  extremes, 

They  did  join  Bill,  and  then  deserted  James  ; 

Yet,  some  proved  faithful  to  the  royal  cause, 

And  were  deserving  of  a  great  applause  ; 

And  some  divided  'twixt  good  Bill  and  James, 

Stood  equi  distant  from  the  two  extremes, 

But  every  thing  that  did  occur  of  late, 

Informed  James  of  his  approaching  fate. 

A  daring  Duke,*  deserted  from  the  King, 

The  first  affected  by  the  direful  spring , 

Another  followed  to  desert  the  cause. 

And  act  repugnant  to  the  monarch's  laws. 

One  by  one,  until  at  last  in  crowds. 

They  dous'd  his  rigging  and  pull'd  down  his  shrouds. 

With  their  advice,  the  Prince,  without  delay. 

Put  forth  his  efforts  to  commence  the  play. 

'Twas  then  the  King  espied  approaching  harm, 

And  rous'd  himself  then  to  allay  the  storm ; 

He  saw  the  storm  fast  approaching  hence. 

And  raised  an  army  to  defeat  the  Prince. 

How  disappointed  must  the  monarch  be. 

When  being  acquainted  with  the  treachery 

Of  those  proud  lords,  who  had  espous'd  his  cause. 

And  sworn  profoundly  to  maintain  his  laws  ; 

Though  much  affected,  never  struck  a  blow. 

But  him  deserted  when  they  met  the  foe. 

This  sad  desertion  of  the  very  best. 

And  base  perversion,  did  pervert  the  rest. 

The  monarch  fled,  and  had  a  narrow  chance, 

And  took  his  exit  very  soon  for  France. 

When  James  had  landed,  he  related  all 

His  woes  and  troubles,  and  his  fatal  fall, 

To  the  French  King,  who  sympathiz'd  at  once. 

And  soon  attempted  still  to  raise  in  France 

*  Duke  Colchester. 
14* 


162 

A  well  tried  ally  for  assisting  James, 

And  help  the  monarch  to  allay  the  flames  ; 

Replace  the  King  upon  his  lawful  throne, 

And  seat  of  honor,  which  he  call'd  his  own. 

But  watch  the  spring  of  the  infernal  Duke,* 

Whose  guileful  acts  have  merited  rebuke. 

He  hindered  James  of  bringing  aid  from  France, 

But  come  himself  would  be  the  better  chance, 

As  foreign  aid  would  agitate  the  laws. 

And  make  his  subjects  to  renounce  his  cause. 

The  day  since  came  the  Duke  received  his  fee, 

A  fee  will  last  him  for  eternity. 

The  High  Church  party  raised  a  rebel  flag, 

And  Ulster  men  were  foremost  in  the  brag, 

That  all  his  subjects  should  renounce  from  hence, 

Their  lawful  King,  and  aid  the  German  Prince, 

The  rebels  then,  to  make  the  matter  sure. 

Had  been  commanded  by  a  Major  Poor  ; 

But  Bellew  met  him,  in  fine  style  and  trim, 

A  Leinster  Chief,  and  soon  defeated  him. 

Some  had  fled,  and  many  dead  there  lay. 

The  just  result  of  a  rebellious  fray. 

Then  Erin's  sons,  and  mighty  Chief  arose, 

As  being  determined  to  confront  the  foes 

Of  their  good  King,  as  they  were  bound  to  do, 

In  mind,  in  conscience,  and  in  honor  too. 

Shef  raised  an  army  thirty  thousand  strong. 

Then  to  assist  and  help  the  cause  along ; 

She  equipp'd  all  with  very  little  aid. 

And  fed  them  too,  and  saw  that  all  were  paid. 

Of  late  years.  Irishmen  are  traduced  by  a  cer- 
tain class  of  society ;  but  always  esteemed,  re- 
spected and  venerated  by  men  of  fine  taste,  refined 
education,  sound  judgment  and  unprejudiced  minds, 
— for   their   chivalrous  actions,  extensive   qualifi- 

*  The  Duke  of  Sunderland,  "wlio,  the  better  to  effect  his 
treachery,  affected  to  become  a  Catholic,  but  gave  the  King's 
secret  to  the  Protestant  Confederation  all  the  time. 

f  Ireland. 


1G3 

cations,  friendship,  fine  feelings  and  unbounded 
generosity.  These  attributes  are  left  as  an  inheri- 
tance, by  the  sire  to  the  son,  and  so  descended,  in 
an  unbroken  succession,  from  an  original  date  to 
the  present  time.  Let  us  take  a  look,  for  one 
moment,  at  the  actions  of  Irishmen's  sons,  who 
are  at  present  fighting  the  battles  of  our  country 
in  Mexico,  and  my  testimony  and  investigation 
will  be  sanctioned.  Hear  and  read  the  reputation 
of  Col.  S.  W.  Black,  an  Irishman's  son.  Is  it  not 
good,  great,  beautiful  and  unblemished?  Read 
the  unfading  fame  and  reputation  of  Capt.  Robert 
Porter,  son  of  Judge  Porter,  of  this  city,  an  Irish- 
man. Is  not  his  conduct  inaccessible  to  reproach  ? 
Is  he  not  esteemed,  venerated,  and  almost  idolized 
by  the  company  he  commands?  Does  not  this 
strengthen  my  testimony  and  investigation  ?  There 
is  something  grand  and  noble  in  this  inheritance. 


Montgomery  then,  and  with  a  rebel  force. 
Took  up  his  march,  and  steer'd  another  course, 
Against  the  monarch,  to  destroy  his  laws, 
And  act  repugnant  to  the  monarch's  cause, 
Tyrconnel  sent  brave  Hamilton"^  to  stop 
The  daring  efforts  of  the  haughty  fop  ; 
Him  when  he  met  was  in  a  proud  array, 
And  show'd  ambition  to  commence  the  fray ; 
But  all  in  vain,  he  soon  was  forc'd  to  yield, 
And  fly  for  safety  from  the  hostile  field. 
With  hurried  pace,  when  he  was  routed  hence. 
He  then  sought  shelter  from  the  German  Prince. 
Tyrconnel,  who  commanded  in  that  town,t 
Although  a  man  of  very  great  renown. 
Withdrew  his  men,  which  was  a  sad  mistake, 
And  left  it  open  for  the  foe  to  take ; 
This  great  mistake  had  given  to  the  foe, 
The  power  at  once  to  strike  the  fatal  blow ; 

'^  Richard  Hamilton.  f  Londonderry. 


164 

But  ere  'twas  long,  Tyrconnell  saw  his  fault, 

And  caused  his  army  on  the  way  to  halt ; 

He  sent  back  Anthrim,  with  twelve  thousand  strong, 

Of  Highland  soldiers,  whom  he  had  along. 

Though  some  attempt  Tyrconnell  to  disgrace. 

For  leaving  vacant  this  important  place, 

The  reason  why  Tyrconnell  mov'd  from  hence, 

Was  to  resist  an  avaricious  Prince. 

The  thirst  of  glory  and  ambition's  rage. 

Displayed  in  youth  and  in  maturer  age, 

Made  him  then  covet  that  illustrious  chair, 

And  for  that  purpose  discomfit  the  heir. 

Tyrconnell  did  as  men  of  honor  do, 

To  keep  unbroken  his  allegiance  too  ; 

He  was  so  sanguine  in  the  royal  cause, 

And  from  his  honor  this  conclusion  draws. 

To  meet  the  tyrant  and  usurping  Prince, 

And  show  his  valor  in  the  King's  defence. 

To  let  him  know  Tyrconnell  was  before 

The  daring  tyrant  on  the  Irish  shore  ; 

Through  this  design  Tyrconnell  left  his  post, 

Alas  !  by  it,  then  every  thing  was  lost. 

The  Highland  force  had  then  approach'd  the  town. 

With  much  assurance  to  support  the  crown ; 

They  looked  ferocious,  and  so  very  brave. 

They'd  give  no  quarters,  or  no  quarters  crave. 

No  time  was  lost  by  those  who  lov'd  the  Prince, 

They  had  to  fight,  or  else  to  fly  from  hence. 

Some  thought  it  proper  to  escape  and  fly, 

Yet  some,  more  noble,  would  prefer  to  die. 

Just  at  that  time,  nine  noble  lads  did  show 

Uncommon  courage  to  defeat  the  foe. 

Each,  it  is  said,  was  an  apprentice  bound. 

In  whom  such  courage  only  could  be  found  ; 

They  snatch'd  the  keys,  and  rais'd  the  bridge  in 

haste. 
For  losing  time  would  be  denoting  waste, 
Informed  them  of  their  immediate  fate. 
If  they  would  ofl*er  to  approach  the  gate. 


165 

The  guns  were  loaded  for  a  strong  defence, 
And  then  hurra'd  for  the  approaching  Prince  ; 
Then  thousands  rush'd  to  rise  with  them  or  fall, 
And  die  a  victim  to  a  cannon  ball. 
The  Highland  force,  who  saw  the  great  defence, 
Then  thought  it  prudent  to  withdraw  from  hence, 
They  made  no  noise,  but  they  withdrew  in  peace, 
And  all  exertions  did  entirely  cease. 
King  James,  who  had  been  all  the  time  in  France, 
There  hoping  still  that  men  would  soon  advance. 
In  might  and  main,  as  to  resist  the  foe, 
And  turn  the  scale,  and  cause  his  overthrow. 
But  yet,  the  man  who  makes  himself  a  sheep, 
Or  lies  inactive,  all  the  time  asleep. 
The  wolf  devours  him  with  rapacious  greed. 
And  help  is  wanting  in  the  time  of  need ; 
Whereas,  resistance  in  a  proper  way. 
Might  save  his  life,  and  drive  the  wolf  away. 
However,  then,  the  King  had  sail'd  from  France, 
Expecting  yet  to  have  a  better  chance  ; 
And  hoping  still  that  those  that  broke  the  law, 
Would  from  their  error  this  conclusion  draw  ; 
That  sheer  injustice  had  no  right  or  cause 
To  mar  his  measures  or  debauch  his  laws. 
With  buoyant  hopes  he  caught  the  swelling  gale. 
And  landed  safely  near  the  town  Kinsale  ;* 
Landed  then,  Tyrconnell  did  advance, 
And  hailed  his  Highness  from  defensive  France. 
Then,  by  the  King,  he  was  created  Duke, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  any  grave  rebuke. 
The  Irishman  that  kept  his  conscience  free. 
Did  hail  his  landing  with  exulting  glee, 
And  with  alacrity  to  his  King  did  fly, 
To  succor  him,  or  else  with  him  to  die. 
The  King  and  aid  to  Dublin  then  withdrew, 
His  aid  was  neither  very  small  or  few ; 
Forty  thousand  of  courageous  men, 
"Had  thaw'd  the  spirit  that  congeal'd  within 

*  Kinsale,  in  the  County  of  Cork,  Ireland. 


166 

His  royal  bosom,  since  they  did  divorce 
Himself  and  crown,  through  an  illegal  course ; 
The  loyal  Irish  did  not  disappear, 
Nor  shun  the  monarch  through  ignoble  fear. 
They  never  did  a  mean  advantage  take, 
But  kept  in  order  for  allegiance  sake ; 
When  all  his  subjects  in  rebellion  rose. 
The  law-made  clergy  were  his  greatest  foes. 
He  found  no  safety,  no  protection  pass. 
Among  that  godless,  heartless,  faithless  class  ; 
But  Irish  hearts,  that  did  his  state  regret. 
There  friendship  was,  and  there  it  is  as  yet ; 
Their  protection  he  had  sought  and  found, 
And  sound  allegiance,  as  in  duty  bound. 
The  Duke  of  Berwick*  hasten'd  to  the  north, 
And  there,  indeed,  he  was  of  little  worth. 
Hamilton  the  brave,  that  never  did  resign, 
Though  fierce  in  battle,  cautious  in  design, 
Was  there,  the  lion- and  the  King  of  men, 
Who  hunted  rebels  from  the  rebel's  den. 
Who  fought  the  foe,  and  never  fought  in  vain. 
Had  been  encamp'd  a-near  the  town  Colraine  ; 
The  rebels  then  had  held  this  little  place. 
But  fled,  like  swallows,  to  their  own  disgrace. 
When  once  they  heard  he  was  encamping  near, 
They  quaked  with  panic  and  exceeding  fear, 
And  left  it  vacant,  without  a  defence, 
The  paltry  party  of  the  German  Prince, 
Who  broke  the  bridge  and  then  did  disappear. 
By  running  wildly  like  affrighted  deer. 
Next  day  he  took  possession  of  the  place. 
And,  as  deserted,  'twas  no  trying  case. 
Some  staid  behind,  and  had  it  in  their  care. 
Then  to  defend  it  for  the  proper  heir  ; 
He  then  proceeded  to  the  town  Strabane, 
And  called  a. council  to  suggest  a  plan 
Still  to  defeat  a  contumacious  foe. 
Whose  guileful  acts  he  soon  did  overthrow. 

*  The  King's  natural  son. 


167 

When  there,  while  ruminating  what  to  do, 
He  got  a  letter,  with  directions  too. 
That  all  the  rebels  had  assembled  then, 
Near  Cloddy  Bridge,  across  the  river  Fenn. 
They  all  concluded  to  dislodge  this  force, 
And  thought  it  was  the  most  judicious  course  ; 
The  general  then  determin'd  soon  to  go 
Across  the  bridge,  to  discomfit  the  foe. 
The  rebels,  fearing  the  approaching  fray, 
Then  broke  the  bridge,  to  interrupt  his  way, 
Which  he  repair'd,  and  still,  as  heretofore. 
The  foe  had  fled  when  they  could  fight  no  more. 
The  Irish  fought,  and  gain'd  a  great  applause, 
Till  James  commanded,  and  destroyed  the  cau«e. 
Confus'd  they  fled  the  terrified  foe. 
And  were  pursued  as  far  as  to  Raphoe ; 
Their  leader  soon  had  caused  the  men  to  halt, 
And  take  a  drink  of  some  refreshing  malt ; 
Regale  themselves,  and  raise  a  hearty  cheer, 
As  they-  were  proof  'gainst  either  death  or  fear. 
Such  warlike  force  would  have  demolished  Troy, 
Yet  were  augmented  by  the  brave  Galmoy  ;"*" 
This  augmentation  terrified  the  whole. 
And  struck  repentance  into  every  soul. 
The  Derry  men,  though  willing  to  resist. 
Then  gave  the  olive  branch  into  his  fist ; 
They  thought  it  prudent  to  renounce  the  cause, 
And  yield  obedience  to  the  sovereign's  laws  ; 
A  deputation  came,  and  wanted  peace, 
With  humble  manners  and  becoming  grace. 
And  said  in  future  they  would  not  oppose. 
But  act  as  friends,  instead  of  acting  foes. 
And  would  request  their  liberty  and  lives. 
For  sake  of  children  and  desponding  wives. 
The  general  then  with  promptness  did  comply, 
And  as  they  asked  he  then  did  ratify. 
The  Derry  men  had  then  agreed  that  they 
Would  leave  the  town  at  twelve  o'clock  next  day. 

*  Lord  Galmoy,  vfiih  800  men  from  the  garrison  of  Trim. 


168 

The  King,  at  length,  had  nothing  else  to  do 
Than  strike  a  course,  and  then  that  course  pursue. 
Some  nobles  then  the  monarch  did  escort, 
From  France,  directly  to  the  very  north, 
As  there  the  rebels  had  been  much  suppressed. 
He  thought  his  presence  would  subdue  the  rest ; 
He  took  the  ship  from  him  that  could  her  steer, 
And  that  created  greater  joy  than  fear. 
He  then  demolish'd  every  plan  was  laid. 
Supplied  their  place  with  foolish  ones  he  made ; 
But  things  don't  go  according  to  design 
Which  shows  indeed,  there  is  a  power  divine. 
That  told  the  sea  in  its  rebellious  flow, 
Thus  far  permitted,  and  no  farther  go. 
James,  I  am  sure,  was  never  fit  to  reign. 
For  all  his  plans  had  all  been  laid  in  vain. 
He  was  more  fit  in  some  recluse  to  pray. 
Than  to  command  on  that  ill-fated  day. 
Hamilton  then,  to  signalize  his  glee. 
Unto  the  King,  who  came  across  the  sea. 
Related  all,  and  with  a  soldier's  fire. 
That  Derrymen  would  on  that  day  retire, 
That  they  no  longer  would  the  King  oppose, 
They'd  be  his  friends  instead  of  being  his  foes,    ' 
Those  conditions  he'd  not  wish  to  mar. 
For  such  he  knew  would  terminate  the  war. 
King  James  at  once  had  disapproved  the  act. 
Which  marr'd  the  matter,  is  a  stubborn  fact ; 
He  thought  each  rebel,  for  rebellious  strife, 
Had  been  entitled  to  submit  his  life. 
With  great  pretensions  he  to  Derry  went, 
A  second  Hector  on  destruction  bent ; 
Encamp'd  convenient  to  the  rebels  then. 
And  cried,  "  Surrender,  you  rebellious  men, 
You  know  your  crime  has  been  so  very  great. 
You  are  deserving  of  an  awful  fate. 
I,  James  your  King,  will  now  the  state  arouse. 
Not  like  the  mountain  that  brought  forth  the  mouse. 
Your  awful  end  will  reconcile  the  rest, 
You  can't  do  much,  were  you  to  try  your  best." 


169 

The  thunder  ceased,  and  James  had  said  no  more, 
But  lay  inactive  as  he  did  before. 
The  Derrjmen,  unmindful  of  his  call, 
With  forty  cannon  planted  on  the  wall, 
Then  said  to  him,  approach  us,  if  you  dare. 
As  now  we're  fighting  'gainst  the  royal  heir  ; 
We're  headstrong,  hearty,  and  a  stubborn  few, 
Impregnable,  invulnerable,  unconquerable  too. 
The  expected  help,  that  made  them  James  upbraid, 
Arrived  at  length,  and  gave  them  timely  aid; 
The  King  entrench'd  and  had  ten  thousand  men. 
To  starve  or  conquer  those  who  were  within. 
The  seige  continued  very  long  indeed, 
Till  hunger  made  them  in  the  time  of  need 
To  live  on  dogs  for  want  of  meat  or  fish, 
And  cats  and  rats  had  made  a  dainty  dish  ; 
When  they  got  scarce  and  neither  could  be  found, 
A  rat,  a  cat,  a  mongrel,  whelp  or  hound, 
There  to  devour  which,  was  a  source  of  grief. 
Yet  every  hour  expecting  some  relief; 
The  weight  of  hunger  made  them  weary  grow, 
And  left  them  useless  to  resist  the  foe. 
They  all  agreed  then  to  resign  the  place, 
To  James  at  once,  and  then  abide  his  grace. 
When  they  agreed  their  last  farewell  to  take. 
They  looked  with  sorrow  on  the  beauteous  lake, 
Boreas  blew  between  a  calm  and  gale. 
Which  hurried  fast  a  white  approaching  sail, 
Such  shouts  of  joy  as  she  appeared  the  more. 
From  starving  men  was  never  heard  before  ; 
Their  hunger  ceased,  and  Derry  rats  did  dance, 
And  they  told  Jemmy  to  return  to  France, 
How  soon  they  altered  their  sentenious  brief. 
When  they  were  certain  of  their  own  relief. 
There  soon  appeared  upon  the  spacious  lake. 
With  sails  unfurled  for  protection's  sake, 
A  fleet  well  man'd  which  stretch'd  from   shore  to 

shore, 
I'm  sure  the  like  was  never  seen  before ; 
15 


170 

Upon  that  lake  to  reinforce  that  town, 
AYhich  made  King  William  wear  a  Stuart's  crown. 
King  James  decamped  with  greater  loss  than  gain, 
His  threats  proved  fruitless,  and  his  boasting  vain. 


The  Battle  of  the  Boyne. 

The  Prince  appear'd  the  thirtieth  day  of  June, 
More  like  a  vulture  than  a  straying  loon  ; 
He  rode  along  with  his  advancing  force, 
And  for  the  Boyne  he  took  the  nearest  course. 
There  Scumberg  lay,  impatient,  to  await 
The  fearful  event  would  decide  the  state. 
The  armies  met,  they  were  in  number  then, 
Thirty-eight  thousand  of  effective  men  ; 
Well  train'd,  disciplin'd,  often  tried  of  late. 
And  all  conversant  with  the  shafts  of  fate  ; 
Vigilant,  fearful,  in  their  camp  they  lay, 
As  being  determin'd  to  engage  next  day. 
Prince  William  rode  to  view  the  flowery  plains. 
Where  sylvan  nymphs  attended  sacred  fanes. 
Where  orchard  full  of  mellow  fruit  were  found, 
With  boughs  enciimber'd,  bending  to  the  ground ; 
The  verdant  meads  much  added  to  the  scene, 
And  lofty  sumits  cover'd  o'er  the  green  ; 
Spontaneous  verdure  cover'd  o'er  the  lea. 
And  hymins  were  murmur'd  by  the  rhyming  bee. 
The  Boyne  meander'd  with  a  gentle  flow. 
Producing  verdure  which  inclined  to  grow. 
Then  William  cried,  "  This  rich  superior  soil 
Will  pay  our  trouble  and  requite  our  toil." 
When  this  he  said,  then  he  was  seen  to  smile. 
And  down  he  sat  to  rest  himself  awhile  ; 
While  seated  there,  and  planning  how  to  ford, 
Without  thanksgiving  to  his  gracious  Lord, 
They  watch'd  his  motions  from  the  other  side. 
Where  Sarsfield  was,  and  with  a  patriot's  pride, 
As  he  had  been  within  the  gunner's  aim. 
They  tried  the  Prince  to  either  kill  or  maim  ; 


171 

They  loaded  quick,  and  did  discharge  from  thence, 

A  roaring  cannon  to  discharge  the  Prince  ; 

As  William  was  not  very  fit  to  die, 

They  kill'd  two  horses,  and  the  man  was  by  ; 

Although  the  King  did  wish  to  spare  his  life, 

For  Mary's  sake,  the  Prince's  loving  wife. 

The  slanting  lead  had  struck  the  Prince  withal, 

Yet  not  decreed  that  he  was  then  to  fall. 

'Twas  then  reported  that  he  met  his  doom, 

And  such  had  reach'd  to  Italy  and  Rome  ; 

It  was  related  as  a  truth  in  France, 

And  they,  rejoicing,  held  a  merry  dance  ; 

They  rang  the  bells  there  to  applaud  the  act, 

But  yet,  alas  !  it  had  not  been  the  fact. 

He  cross'd  the  Boyne  in  sound  good  health  next  day, 

Which  added  much  to  his  unbounded  sway. 

The  King  observing  William's  warlike  state, 

Seem'd  almost  conscious  of  his  own  defeat ; 

No  force,  no  fire,  no  action  then  had  he, 

To  rouse  his  men  to  any  energy  : 

His  courage  cooled,  he  could  no  longer  boast. 

As  if  he  knew  that  every  thing  was  lost, 

Though  ere  being  anxious  to  commence  the  play, 

And  act  courageous  in  the  direful  fray  ; 

Yet,  when  threaten'd  by  impending  fate. 

The  King's  great  brags  did  soon  evaporate  ; 

It  is  quite  certain,  and  beyond  dispute, 

The  boasting  hero  then  became  a  mute, 

All  these  symptoms  did  denote  his  fall, 

For,  had  he  kingdoms,  he  would  lose  them  all. 

He  called  a  council  in  the  evening  late. 

To  plan,  to  act,  or  then  to  meditate. 

Whether  or  not  they'd  stand  the  fearful  blow, 

Or  shift  their  quarters  to  avoid  the  foe  ; 

James  thought  it  prudent  to  retreat  in  time, 

As  being  defeated  was  a  greater  crime. 

Every  leader  who  arrived  from  France, 

The  same  opinion  did  with  James  advance  ; 

They  saw  great  numbers  in  the  camp  oT  Mars, 

And  all  experienced  from  successiA^e  wars, 


172 

With  forty  cannon  ready  to  display, 
When  James  had  ten  to  vindicate  the  day. 
Then  Sarsfield  spoke,  the  bravest  of  the  brave, 
Who  had  a  heart  and  yet  a  soul  to  save  ; 
And  said  as  thus — *"My  liege  and  august  sire, 
Let  us  command,  and  you  may  now  retire. 
If  it  be  your  wish,  sire,  to  decamp  and  go, 
With  daring  efforts  we'll  confront  the  foe  ; 
As  Irishmen  we  will  contest  the  ground, 
Eor  by  allegiance  Irishmen  are  bound ; 
Let  every  man  now  keep  his  conscience  clear, 
And  if  he  fall  he  has  no  need  to  fear  ; 
Let  us  be  valiant,  now's  the  time  to  show 
Our  holy  efforts  to  defeat  the  foe." 
Hamilton  spoke,  courageous,  bold  and  clear, 
No  grief  annoy'd  him,  or  intrinsic  fear ; 
"  Let  us  determine  on  what  course  to  take, 
And  fight  like  lions  for  allegiance's  sake, 
How  can  we  fly,  or  under  wiiat  pretence. 
Without  opposing  this  ambitious  Prince  ; 
Death  is  glorious  in  a  noble  cause. 
Have  not  we  sworn  to  maintain  the  laws  ? 
How  can  we  break  or  violate  the  tie  ? 
0,  no  !  my  friends !  we  would  prefer  to  die. 
Make  up  your  minds,  let  us  in  union  join. 
And  try  his  mettle  ere  he'll  cross  the  Boyne.'* 
Each  Irish  Chief  declar'd  he  would  obey, 
And  use  his  efforts  to  maintain  the  day. 
The  King  ha3  seen  the  Irish  would  oppose 
The  bold  invaders  and  courageous  foes. 
He  gave  consent,  but  in  a  partial  way. 
To  stop  their  passage  on  the  following  day. 
Now  this  one  act  elucidates  his  view. 
He  sent  his  baggage  and  his  cannon  too 
Too  Dublin  then,  and  left  no  means  behind, 
To  help  a  valiant  and  a  generous  mind. 
The  dastard  King,  expecting  a  defeat. 
Made  all  things  ready  for  his  own  retreat. 
To  show  at  once  he  was  prepared  to  flinch, 
He  call'd  around  him  his  six  thousand  French, 


173 

To  guard  the  body  of  the  regal  fool, 
Misfortune's  minion,  and  misconduct's  tool. 
He  fled  with  them  in  an  ill-fated  hour, 
And  left  his  kingdom  in  Prince  William's  power. 
But  held  command,  which  was  a  serious  loss, 
Till  William's  army  did  begin  to  cross ; 
It  was  not  so  with  his  opponent  then. 
He  spent  his  time  in  training  all  his  men, 
From  camp  to  camp,  to  animate  and  cheer 
The  crouching  coward  from  desponding  fear, 
To  add  more  courage,  and  enkindle  rage, 
Till  every  old  man  did  forget  his  age. 
He  then  adjusted  bow  to  cross  the  Boyne, 
The  men  directed  by  a  warlike  trine ; 
The  right  commanded  by  a  gallant  count,* 
AVhose  tactic  skill  had  been  of  great  account ; 
Aided  by  Douglasf  then  to  ford  near  Slane,:{: 
A  post  they  wish'd  at  every  risk  to  gain  ; 
He  had  directed  all  the  cannon  there, 
Under  command  of  an  experienced  pair; 
Though  knowing  then  that  James  had  very  few. 
As  all  lay  under  his  sagacious  view, 
He  told  the  Duke§  at  once  to  wheel  about, 
And  drive  with  vigor  through  the  middle  route  ; 
Himsetf  commanded  on  the  left  to  show 
Stupendous  courage  to  his  daring  foe. 
At  twelve  at  night  he  had  no  more  to  say, 
Then  went  to  bed  until  the  break  of  day ; 
The  beaming  forth  of  one  refulgent  ray, 
Proclaim'dto  William  the  approach  of  day. 
The  drums  arous'd  his  sleeping  men  to  arms, 
And  jarring  rattles  caus'd  such  dire  alarms. 

*  Count  Scumberg,  son  to  the  old  Duke. 

t  Lieutenant  General. 

i  The  bridge  of  Slane  had  been  a  post  of  great  importance. 
ane  General  Hamilton  advised  King  James  to  send  eight  regi- 
ments to  protect  it ;  but  James  received  the  proposition  with 
indiflference,  and  said  he  would  send  fifty  dragoons  to  defend 
it,  Hamilton  bowed  submissively,  and  was  silent. 

^  Scumberg. 

15* 


174 

Each  Chief  had  then  attended  to  his  post, 

And  not  one  moment  was  consider'd  lost. 

July  the  first,*  the  sun  rose  bright  and  clear, 

And  all  the  warblers  had  been  mute  with  fear. 

The  Count  and  Douglas  cross'd  the  bridge  of  if  lane, 

The  King's  decision  being  considered  vain. 

Without  a  man  to  hinder  or  oppose, 

Till  they  were  ready  to  receive  their  foes, 

The  King  at  last  directed  his  left  wing. 

To  stop  the  action  of  the  direful  spring ; 

The  orders  given  were  received  too  late. 

Which  had  encouraged  their  approaching  fate; 

They  had  no  cannon,  but  to  fight  they'd  go. 

And  Irish  heralds  did  confront  the  foe. 

The  Count  commenced  with  all  his  might  and  main. 

And  had  an  army  of  ten  thousand"  men  ; 

In  num'  er  then  the  Irish  were  not  large, 

But  still  they  made  a  very  heavy  charge  ; 

Each  Irishman  beyond  the  reach  of  fear, 

Though  fell  himself,  had  made  his  passage  clear. 

The  battle  lasted  with  amazing  wrath. 

And  thousands  covered  in  a  gory  froth 

Fell,  lifeless  fell,  upon  the  crimson  plain, 

And  horses  prancing  on  the  heaps  of  slain. 

At  length  the  Irish  met  with  a  defeat. 

And  many  perished  in  the  sad  retreat. 

The  aged  Duke,  when  he  had  seen  that  they 

Had  landed  safely,  and  commenced  the  fray. 

Prepared  himself  to  cross  the  beauteous  stream. 

To  add  more  fuel  to  the  fiery  flame. 

The  Dutch  blue  guards  had  play'd  their  favorite  airs. 

And  then  to  conquer  every  man  repairs ; 

The  music  ceased  as  they  were  on  the  brink, 

They  went  too  far,  and  yet  too  late  to  think 

Of  present  bliss,  or  of  a  future  state, 

If  there  were  sent  they  would  arrive  too  late. 

Then  in  they  leaped  there  to  maintain  their  fame, 

And  washed  their  limbs  in  that  pellucid  stream. 

*  July  1st,  1790. 


175 

The  troops  sustained  a  very  serious  loss, 
When  they  attempted  near  the  bridge  to  cross  ; 
The  Irish  breastworks  poured  a  galling  fire, 
But  could  not  make  those  daring  men  retire. 
They  waded  through^  indeed,  as  valiant  men, 
But  soon  their  columns  were  attacked  again; 
Although  their  Chiefs  the  Irish  did  abet, 
The  German  lines  remained  unbroken  yet. 
Hamilton  brought  the  infantry  to  bear, 
And  death  was  busy  culling  out  his  share ; 
Then  hundreds  fell,  and  left  a  vacant  space. 
But  other  men  had  soon  supplied  their  place, 
Experience  taught  them  how  to  fall  and  fill, 
And  yet  determined  on  defeating  still. 
William  saw  and  knew  the  fatal  die 
Was  cast  again,  and  fearing  they  should  fly. 
Dispatched,  three  regiments  to  avert  the  blow. 
And  turn  the  scale  against  the  raging  foe. 
Those  he  reserved,  as  he  their  valor  knew, 
Two  were  French,  and  one  was  English  too. 
Much  like  a  meteor  dashing  through  the  &ky. 
As  if  immortal,  every  man  did  fly. 
Then  to  assist  and  give  the  timely  aid; 
No  sooner  there  than  they  were  sweetly  paid. 
The  infantry  met  them  on  the  river  shore, 
And  fought  more  warlike  than  they  fought  before. 
In  spite  of  all  they  made  their  landing  good. 
And  paid  their  ferriage  all  in  human  blood. 
The  Dragoons  then  with  a  resistless  force, 
Had  closed  the  gap  of  their  intended  course ; 
Their  doom  relentless  they  did  antidote, 
And  all  were  slaughtered  by  designing  fate. 
The  direful  sweep  can  no  historian  tell. 
They  fled  themselves,  and  their  commanders  fell. 
The  Danish  horse  had  galloped  up  to  join. 
But  soon  were  driven  across  the  river  Boyne ; 
Never  was  found,  perhaps,  an  equal  force, 
Could  make  them  yield  or  either  fly  the  course. 
The  aged  Duke,*  who  saw  the  sad  defeat. 
Without  a  chief  to  regulate  their  state, 

*  Scumberg, 


176 

Then  rode  across,  inspiring  them  with  zeal, 

Although  dissected  from  the  Irish  steel ; 

He  took  command,  jet  short  had  been  his  reign, 

When  he  fell  dead  among  the  heaps  of  slain. 

Some  brave  Milesian,  without  stain  or  speck, 

Had  shot  the  hero  in  the  very  neck ; 

At  the  age  of  eighty  the  old  warrior  fell, 

And  where  he's  now  I  would  suppose  in  hell. 

He  many  a  widow  and  an  orphan  made, 

He  killed  himself,  and  gave  to  others  aid. 

If  the  wretched  James  would  then  improve  the  hour 

That  came  within  the  limits  of  his  power. 

When  the  Irish  horse,  with  evolutions  brief, 

Had  shook  their  columns  like  an  aspen  leaf; 

When  the  Irish  horse,  with  well  directed  blows. 

Had  cleft,  and  cut,  and  terrified  their  foes. 

Dismay  had  spread,  from  rank  to  rank  it  flew. 

And  every  line  was  in  confusion  too. 

That  was  the  time  that  James  ought  not  to  flinch, 

But  bring  to  bear  his  own  six  thousand  French, 

Who  would  inevitably  decide  the  day, 

And  put  an  end  to  that  disastrous  fray. 

The  dastard  King  stood  on  the  height  Dunmore, 

A  crime  unusual  and  unknown  before. 

Made  no  resistance,  gave  no  timely  aid; 

For  want  of  courage  made  the  King  afraid. 

Whereas,  if  courage  would  impel  him  down, 

A  laurel'd  victory  would  grace  his  crown  ; 

But  then  the  coward,  losing  every  chance. 

Had  lived  a  beggar,  as  he  died  in  France. 

This  sad  result  of  cowardice  and  fear. 

Drew  indignantly  the  patriot's  tear. 

When  William  thought  that  every  thing  was  lost, 

He  drew  his  sword  then  to  command  at  last; 

Then  cross'd  the  Boyne,  regardless  of  his  life, 

And  fought  himself  to  regulate  the  strife. 

The  Irish  horse  had  met  him  in  the  field, 

And  with  reluctance  made  the  Prince  to  yield. 

The  Prince  then  fearlessly  aloud  did  cry, 

*'  Come  on !  my  friends  !  we'll  either  win  or  die  ! 


177 

Think  and  look  on  our  superior  force, 

Can  few  in  number  e'er  restrain  our  course  ? 

Where  is  the  valor  you  display'd  before? 

See  all  our  friends  here  weltering  in  their  gore  ? 

On  !  on  !  my  boys,  and  we'll  revenge  the  deed, 

Or  otherwise,  my  friends,  we'll  die  indeed." 

The  electric  word  aroused  them  all  to  life, 

And  then  commenced  the  dire  stupendous  strife ; 

A  shout  of  joy  that  signaliz'd  the  will, 

Was  heard  from  those  who  heretofore  were  still. 

They  took  their  eyes  from  gazing  on  the  dead. 

And  each  forgot  that  ever  they  had  bled. 

On  they  went,  the  Irish  horse  were  there. 

To  take  what  they'd  get,  and  give  a  larger  share. 

The  armies  met,  and  awful  was  the  strife. 

There  many  a  herald  had  resign'd  his  life  ; 

Both  sides  displaj^ed  alternate  loss  and  gain, 

The  side  defeated  would  defeat  again. 

The  Irish  horse  had  dealt  destruction  round. 

They  plung'd,  they  dash'd,  and  cut  at  every  bound. 

But  yet,  the  Prince,  with  a  superior  force. 

Resisted  still,  and  held  an  onward  course. 

Though  oft  distress'd,  and  had  been  driven  back. 

Well  fought  his  men,  nor  neither  was  he  slack. 

Brave  Sarsfield  went  to  animate  the  King, 

And  give  the  coward  an  intrinsic  spring. 

He  said  as  thus, — "  If  you  will  head  the  French, 

Without  a  doubt  you  will  defeat  the  Prince; 

Arise,  my  liege,  maintain  your  great  renown, 

And  make  one  effort  to  redeem  your  crown.  " 

The  royal  dastard  was  afraid  to  die. 

He  made  one  effort — that  he  made  to  fly. 

By  slow  degrees  the  Irish  troops  gave  way, 

But  still  resisted  till  the  close  of  day. 


<m 


HISTORY  OF  IRELAND, 


CONTAINING 


A  COMPENDIOUS  ACCOUNT 

OF    HER 

Mm,  ^Wxtthu  mxii  Suffering, 

•WITH  A  DIRECT  REFERENCE  TO  HER 

POLITICAL   RENOVATION 

FROM  THE  TERMINATION  OF   THE 

BATTLE     OF    THE     BOYNE 

TO  THE  PRESENT  DATE. 

IN    EPIC    VERSE, 
BY    JEREMIAH    O'DONOVAN, 

PITTSBURGH,  JANUARY  1st,  1853. 
Second  Number. 


A  man  can  raze  a  mansion,  made  of  stone  or  wood. 
That  could  not  build  an  oven  where  the  mansion  stood. 

O'DONOVAIT. 

Some  critics  are  both  generous  and  just. 
While  otheis  labor  to  condemn  the  bet. 
A  thousand  critics  we  could  count  and  more, 
When  V  e  of  Poets  could  not  count  a  score; 
As  shallow  means,  will  always  errors  find, 
No  diamonds  spirkle  where  the  critics  blind. 
For  iome  prize  verse,  a  weak  at'empt  displays, 
Beyond  the  splendour  of  immortal  lays. 

O  DONOVAil, 

■ \ 

I 

PITTSBURGH : 

PUBLISHED    BY    THE    AUTHOR. 

1854. 


INTRODUCTION. 


As  having  a  small  introduction  to  the  first  number 
of  this  history, — some  perhaps  will  consider  that 
another  to  this  number,  will  be  rather  superfluous; 
However  by  way  of  elucidation  I  will  preface  also 
this  number,  with  a  short  introduction. 

When  I  commenced  the  history  of  my  native  and 
illfated  country,  in  Epic  Verse,  I  commenced  it 
without  any  hopes  of  a  successful  result,  or  of  pro- 
curing immortal  glory  by  my  poetic  effusions,  but, 
we  read,  that  others  wrote  before  Homer,  and  that 
perhaps,  the  feebleness  of  their  compositions  had 
been  the  cause  of  his  immortal  productions,  which 
stand  unequalled,  in  force,  beauty  and  invention  to 
the  present  day,  and  probably,  the  sublimity  of 
his  composition,  will  remain  ahead  of  any  other 
human  composition  that  will  hereafter  appear. 
Being  always  astonished  that  some  illustrious  bard 
had  not  written  the  history  of  my  unfortunate  native 
country,  in  verse,  that  could  do  it  justice,  by  way  of 
embellishing  the  subject  with  poetic  fiction,  but  that 
hope,  in  me,  intrinsically  died,  as  certain  I  am, 
from  my  own  feeble  efi'orts  in  the  attempt  I  have 
made,  that  it  would  require  the  pen  and  abilities  of 


a  Dry  den,  or  a  Pope,  to  furnish  a  smooth  verse  on 
the  same  subject,  but — 

Show  me  the  man,  who  will  attempt  to  cope, 
With  lofty  Dryden,  or  harmonious  Pope. 

The  subject  is  too  dry  and  steril,  and  entirely 
beyond  the  reach  of  poetic  fancy,  or  poetic  exu- 
berance. No  variety,  no  imagery,  no  shifting  of 
the  scene,  or  no  room  for  digressions,  without  in- 
terfering with  historical  facts ;  treachery,  murder, 
conspiracies,  and  hypocritical  combinations,  make 
the  platform  of  the  poem  intended  to  demonstrate 
the  afflictions  of  that  unfortunate  country.  Soar  as 
you  will  in  the  regions  of  fancy,  no  thoughts  can  be 
collected  to  embellish  and  beautify  the  poem,  and 
subject  with  poetic  flowers ;  such  makes  me  think 
that  poets  of  the  highest  order,  will  never  attempt 
to  write  a  poetic  history  of  Ireland.  In  the  first 
number  of  this  work,  there  are  nearly  eight  thousand 
lines,  together  with  the  intermixture  of  prose,  and 
explanatory  notes,  all  of  which  I  composed  in  the 
short  space  of  four  months,  and  that  by  snatches^ 
as  I  had  been  implicated  in  the  vexatious  quality 
of  a  teacher  both  by  day  and  night,  during  said 
time,  a  situation  that  would  interrupt  and  hebetate 
the  incomparable  poetic  powers  of  the  immortal 
Homer  himself,  and  not  a  single  line  of  the  whole 
had  been  thrown  into  the  crucible  of  literary  criti- 
cism, neither  did  I  apply  the  pruning  hook  myself, 
to  one  error  originally  inserted,  though,  I  think  I 
am  something  of  an  artificer.  Some  of  the  language 
I  made  use  of  in  this  production,  bears  heavily  on 
the  English  government,  and  on  the  English  Church, 
established  by  law,  but  I  candidly  confess  it  has  no 


tendency  in  my  mind  to  disparage  the  English 
nation,  as  a  mass,  or  individually ;  on  the  contrary, 
there  is  no  man,  I  respect  more  than  an  English 
gentleman,  and  I  think  no  man  is  more  worthy  of 
respect  than  he,  when  he  is  one.  When  I  commenced 
this  history,  I  made  an  inflexible  resolution,  so  I 
thought  then,  to  make  use  of  charitable  language, 
but  when  I  read  of  the  sufferings  of  my  countrymen, 
and  of  those  who  had  the  misfortune  of  being 
governed  by  the  injustice  of  English  laws,  heated 
by  fire  and  incurable  animosity,  I  broke  through  my 
inflexible  resolution,  which  caused  me  to  make  use 
of  some  expressions  incompatible  to  charity.  How- 
ever, my  investigation  of  that  government  and  that 
Church,  established  by  law,  is  no  fabrication,  and 
the  enormities  of  both,  could  not  be  investigated  by 
so  superficial  a  pen  as  I  wield,  and  only  it  fortu- 
nately had  been  my  lot  to  be  instructed  and  cate- 
chised in  the  Catholic  Church,  I  would  have  been 
an  atheist  long  ago,  of  the  deepest  die,  while  rumi- 
nating on  the  atrocities  and  detestable  machina- 
tions, of  that  mass  of  corruption,  found  in  the  union 
of  that  Church  and  state.  I  intrinsically  considered 
that  it  should  be  the  Justice  of  God  to  annihilate 
that  incurable  mass  with  a  thunderbolt  from  Heaven, 
and  save  his  sufi'ering  creatures  from  the  oppressive 
tyranny  of  the  pandemonium  council  that  established 
both,  yet,  on  the  other  hand,  when  I  consider  that 
he  bore  with  patience  the  crucifixion  of  his  only 
begotten  Son,  between  two  notorious  malefactors,  I 
'yield  without  a  struggle  to  the  supremacy  of  his 
will,  and  to  the  majesty  of  his  patience. 

I  am  the  father  of  all  the  errors  contained  in  this 
1* 


production,  which  of  course  are  countless,  and  if 
there  be  found  also  in  it  any  thing  resembling  merit, 
it  is  mine.  I  would  strenuously  recommend  charity 
to  the  readers  of  this  little  work,  and  I  will  point 
out  to  any  gentleman  into  whose  hands  it  will  fall, 
how  to  obtain  that  virtue.  Let  him  take  a  few 
pages  of  the  history  of  Ireland,  and  turn  them  into 
Epic  Verse,  and  I  pledge  myself,  before  he  has  done 
the  sixth  page,  that  he  will  relax  and  mollify  the 
severity  of  his  criticism,  and  that  he  will  also  require 
a  competent  share  of  that  incomparable  virtue,  I 
have  strenuously  recommended. 


HISTORY  OF  IRELAND. 


When  night  approach'd  to  stay  contentious  strife 
And  throwing  a  shade  for  saving  human  life, 
The  vanquish'd  then,  did  not  attempt  to  fly, 
As  being  determined  to  resist  or  die,  1691, 
The  vile  intruders  void  of  inward  grace, 
For  hellish  spleen  had  fiU'd  the  vacant  space 
Thus,  fully  bent,  and  in  the  open  air. 
On  bended  knees  they  spent  an  hour  in  pray'r. 
Arising  then,  from  thinking  on  the  dead. 
Brave  Sarsfield  spoke,  the  king  of  men,  and  said, 
Altho,  my  friends  a  thousand  chiefs  are  slain, 
And  sleep  in  death  on  yon  extended  plain, 
'Tis  sure  I  am,  proud  William  can  not  boast, 
For  well  you  thin'd  his  unrelenting  host. 
And  all  the  honour  we  to  him  must  yield, 
Or  he  can  claim,  is  the  contested  field 
And  if  our  King  had  stood,  and  not  to  fly, 
I'm  sure  he'd  have  another  fish  to  fry. 
Therefore,  prepare  and  stand  in  your  defence. 
And  stop  the  fervor  of  this  daring  Prince. 
They  all  agreed  as  a  defence  to  stand, 
And  drive  the  tyrant  to  his  native  land. 
Who  had  no  right,  to  make  the  least  pretence. 
To  wear  the  crown  as  being  a  German  Prince, 
As  Tames  had  been  the  right  and  lawful  heir, 
To  reign  as  King,  and  sit  in  Stuart's  chair. 
And  those  that  swore  allegiance  to  his  cause, 
Had  trampled  on,  or  mutilated  laws, 


8 

Which  James  had  made,  and  which  they  did  approve, 
And  swore  the  same  they  would  sustain  and  love. 
But  0!  what  next!  thej  broke  this  solemn  vow. 
And  then  looked  back  and  left  behind  the  plough, 
And  gave  their  King  no  other  aid  or  chance. 
Which  made  him  live  a  pensioner  on  France. 
March  on  and  fight,  if  you  will  be  opposed, 
Altho,  our  King  may  have  been  now  deposed, 
Keep  conscience  clear,  and  swear  not  to  a  lie, 
'Tis  better  friends,  a  thousand  times  to  die, 
And  this  advice  there  is  no  need  or  call, 
For  me  to  give,  for  well  I  know  you  all. 
What  must  you  think  of  that  enormous  church, 
That  broke  her  vows  and  quench'd  her  holy  torch, 
That  baseless  structure,  envy  not  her  call, 
Your  creed  you  teaches,  you  must  pray  for  all. 
Thus  spoke  great  Sarsfield  and  Tyrconnell  then, 
To  brave,  determined,  and  unflinching  men. 
The  Irish  army  then  prepared  to  go 
In  quest  of  shelter  to  resist  the  foe. 
And  all  the  places  they  could  claim  their  own, 
Were  Sligo,  Cork,  Stout  Limerick  and  Athlone. 
Those  they  sought  with  such  assiduous  care. 
And  fouo'ht  like  men  until  they  sheltered  there. 
Prince  William  soon,  was  seen  in  bright  array, 
And  seem'd  quite  anxious  to  renew  the  fray. 
When  other  forces  did  his  army  join — 
He  faced  the  west,  and  left  the  river  Boyne,  1691, 
He  had  with  him,  a  strong  superior  force. 
To  clear  his  passage  and  protect  his  course. 
He  sent  bold  Douglass  with  twelve  thousand  strong, 
And  fifteen  cannon  which  he  had  along, 
And  two  stout  mortars  to  destroy  the  town,* 
Unless  to  William  they'd  concede  the  crown. 
When  Douglas  saw  the  beauteous  Shannon  glide, 
So  smooth  and  gentle  without  rage  or  tide. 
And  being  refresh'd  by  its  reviving  air, 
He'd  live  and  die  if  not  prevented  there. 

*  Athlone. 


He  viewed  the  town  and  thought  he  could  erase, 
Each  fabric  there  or  set  them  in  a  blaze, 
Or  else  he  could  without  the  least  delay, 
Subdue  the  town  and  make  them  all  obey. 
But  soon  he  found  his  calculations  vain, 
And  were  the  offspring  of  an  addled  brain. 
He  sent  a  herald  to  brave  Colonel  Grace, 
Who  then  commanded  that  important  place, 
To  yield  at  once  and  no  resistance  make, 
Or  with  his  cannon  he  the  town  would  shake. 
Or  if  he  did,  that  he  would  then  commence. 
And  show  no  mercy  for  the  same  offence. 
Such  idle  dreams  could  not  subdue  the  place, 
As  being  defended  by  old  Colonel  Grace. 
Douglas  then  had  given  his  command, 
To  take  the  cannon  to  the  Shannon  strand. 
Once  station'd  there  convenient  to  the  shore. 
To  ply  the  match  and  let  the  cannon  roar. 
Bombard  the  town,  let  desolation  reign, 
And  dam  the  Shannon  with  the  heaps  of  slain. 
Athlone  then,  being  left  without  a  shield, 
Will  rue  the  day  she  had  refus'd  to  yield. 
All  hands  to  work,  each  soldier's  at  his  post. 
And  secret  pleasure  had  impell'd  the  host. 
The  guns  were  fixt  and  soon  began  to  play, 
'Till  smoke  and  dust  had  darken'd  every  ray. 
And  so  continued  a  tremendous  fire. 
For  seven  long  days  before  it  did  expire, 
The  fort  was  busy  in  its  own  defence, 
And  smoke  and  thunder  issued  forth  from  thence. 
No  lack  of  courage,  no  surrender  there, 
But  fiery  flashes  and  terrific  glare. 
Issued  mix'd  with  an  exulting  cry, 
That  cheer'd  themselves  and  did  their  foes  defy. 
Such  mighty  lustre  and  tremendous  blaze, 
Had  soon  attracted  the  commander's  gaze. 
Who  sent  a  herald  to  old  Colon  j1  Grace 
In  due  submission  to  give  up  the  place. 
Intrepid  Grace  then,  hearing  what  he  said. 
Had  fir'd  a  pistol  o'er  the  herald's  head. 


10 

These  are  my  terms,  tell  your  master  so, 
That  bold  presumptuous  and  insidious  foe. 
Audacious  man,  audac'ous  must  he  be, 
To  send  you  here  without  my  liberty. 
He'll  rue  the  day  and  that  to  him  relate, 
He'll  place  his  hand  upon  this  massy  gate, 

0  !  Not,  until,  I"  will  resign  my  breath, 

And  sleep  unconscious  in  the  shades  of  death. 
The  herald  then,  had  quicken'd  back  his  pace, 
And  much  astonish'd  at  undaunted  Grace, 
AVhen  Douglas  ask'd  him,  to  relate  the  news, 
And  to  submission  did  the  place  refuse, 
They  must  be  mad,  if  they  engage  to  die, 

1  think  in  short  they'll  quit  the  place  and  fly. 
The  herald  spoke,  now  make  no  long  delay, 
As  they  are  ready  to  sustain  the  fray. 

You  must  not  think  such  mighty  men  will  bow, 

In  tame  submission  to  your  measures  now. 

They  ask  no  favour,  or  no  aid  implore, 

But  brave  defiance  as  they  did  before. 

Every  hero  stands  upon  a  throne 

And  is  determined  to  defend  Athlone. 

You  may  therefore  this  sad  conclusion  draw, 

That  all  your  efforts  won't  avail  a  straw. 

This  stunn'd  the  chief,  and  he  without  delay. 

Had  given  orders  to  suspend  the  fray. 

Prepare  said  he,  as  life  to  each  is  dear. 

I  see  no  hopes  of  gaining  laurels  here. 

Such  made  him  think  he'd  shift  his  quarters  soon, 

And  seek  elsewhere  a  more  substantial  boon. 

Y'^es,  that  he  did,  and  went  to  join  his  Liege, 

And  thus  had  ended  the  tremendous  siege. 

When  once  decamp'd  the  vile  intruding  foe. 

The  sun  display'd  a  bright  and  heavenly  glow. 

The  warblers  made  the  groves  and  vallies  ring, 

And  mourning  widows  seeme'd  inclined  to  sing. 

In  snow-white  robes,  the  saintly  priests  did  pray. 

And  holy  angels  did  revere  the  day. 

Then,  soon  came  forth,  the  brave  undaunted  Grace, 

Who  had  defended  that  important  place. 


11 

There  came  with  him  eight  hundred*  more  to  praj, 

As  a  thanksgiving  on  that  holy  day. 

All  offer'd  thanks  in  holy  fear  and  love, 

To  him  who  sees,  who  rules,  and  reigns  above. 

When  Douglas  met,  his  dear  aspiring  Prince, 

Who  was  preparing  for  his  own  defence, 

He  had  to  him  related  his  defeat 

As  such  was  sanction'd  by  decrees  of  fate. 

For  art  and  strength  against  the  place  conspir'd, 

And  we  in  anguish  from  the  place  retired. 

Ten  thousand  men  in  armour  cas'd  to  shield. 

Could  not  compel  such  mighty  men  to  yield. 

The  Prince  then  said,  in  a  commanding  tone, 

It  matters  not  if  we  have  lost  Athlone. 

See,  yonder  fort,t  and  its  stupendous  fence, 

And  warlike  men  to  stand  in  its  defence. 

Think  its  reduction  will  be  dearly  bought. 

And  that  the  subject  should  engross  your  thought. 

Now  let  us  think  of  some  unerring  way. 

To  raze  the  fort,  or  help,  to  gain  the  day. 

A  bulky  baggage  I  expect  in  haste. 

And  loss  of  time  denotes  a  woful  waste. 

Ere  long  you'll  see  that  bulky  baggage  here. 

And  that  indeed  must  disipate  your  fear. 

Then  Douglas  sent  five  hundred  men  to  guard, 

And  bring  the  train  to  his  rapacious  lord. 

Ambition  will  on  lofty  pinions  soar. 

But  fate  decrees  it  will  ascend  no  more. 

When  Sarsfield  heard  of  the  approaching  train, 

He  thouo[ht  he  could  a  great  advantage  gain. 

Then,  cross'd  the  Shannon,  with  a  well  train'd  band, 

And  each  well  mounted  with  his  sword  in  hand. 

But  being  oppos'd  by  a  superior  force. 

He  stop'd  behind  to  watch  the  baggage's  course, 

Till  near  the  camp  remote  from  human  gaze. 

They  went  to  bed  and  let  the  horses  graze. 

Keclining,  still,  soon  sleep  had  sealed  their  eyes, 

Their  bed  was  grass,  their  canopy  the  skies. 

*  The  exact  uiimber  the  Colonel  had  to  defend  the  place, 
t  Limerick. 


12 

Not  one  perhaps  had  said  a  heavenly  pray'r, 

Or  begg'd  protection  ere  he  slumber'd  there, 

Or  rais'd  his  thoughts,  and  eyes,  to  heaven  above, 

As  wicke'd  vengeance  fill'd  the  place  of  love. 

Soon  Sarsfield  came,  with  his  selected  band, 

To  slay  the  robbers  of  his  native  land. 

And  said  brave  men,  do  massacre  the  whole 

And  don't  attempt  to  spare  one  mother's  soul. 

Now  death  and  carnage  thro'  the  camp  diffuse, 

And  let  none  live  to  circulate  the  news. 

You  burst  their  cannon,  let  them  all  explode, 

For  they  can't  injure  neither  snake  or  toad. 

Then  we  will  rally  in  the  fort's  defence, 

And  face  to-morrow  the  audacious  Prince. 

When  all  was  done,  and  death  had  strew'd  the  field, 

And  fierce  invaders  were  compell'd  to  yield. 

That  warlike  band,  in  triumph  to  the  fort, 

Returned  back  and  made  a  full  report. 

The  bursting  cannon's  loud  explosion  damp'd 

The  Prince  himself,  and  all  with  him  encamp'd. 

Then,  William  summon'd  his  infernal  court. 

And  held  a  council  to  reduce  the  fort. 

Then  each  suggested  to  effect  a  breach, 

With  heavy  cannon  near  the  river  beach. 

And  this  once  done,  to  use  resistless  might, 

With  troops  selected  to  maintain  the  fight, 

Then  gain  admittance  thro'  the  open  space. 

To  raze  the  fort,  or  else  secure  the  place. 

For  once  within  there  would  be  no  delay. 

To  clear  the  place,  and  keep  the  foe  at  bay. 

To  this  agreed  the  military  host. 

Without  regard  to  either  life  or  cost. 

The  siege  commenc'd,  so  tells  historic  page, 

With  spleen  unequal'd  and  tremendous  rage, 

As  they  continu'd  with  outrageous  ire, 

To  swab,  and  charge,  and  then  prepare  to  fire. 

No  rest,  no  stay,  or  no  cessation  given, 

As  frantic  fury  had  impell'd  and  driven. 

The  vile  invaders  and  ungodly  host, 

Whom  some  foul  breeze  had  driven  to  that  coast. 


13 

A  host  polluted  with  satanick  kin, 
Who  all  were  devils  in  the  shape  of  men. 
The  siege  continu'd  seven  and  twenty  days, 
To  cause  a  breach,  and  then  the  fort  to  raze. 
A  fort  impervious  to  the  guiltful  foe. 
And  not  its  strength,  but  men  had  made  it  so. 
Men  of  might,  and  of  superior  skill, 
Who  knew  each  place,  and  had  that  place  to  fill. 
Where  danger  lay  by  each  directed  shot, 
In  such  a  place  the  daring  gunner  sat. 
The  green  triumphant  quivering  in  the  air, 
To  tell  the  Prince  of  no  surrender  there. 
In  spite  of  valour,  vigilance  and  all. 
The  heavy  cannon  batter'd  down  the  wall, 
And  made  a  breach  or  else  an  open  street, 
Which  was  in  breadth,  just  six  and  thirty  feet. 
And  that  itself  did  not  deter  the  men, 
That  had  been  station'd  in  the  fort  within. 
Soon  as  the  breach  attract'd  William's  eye, 
He  uttered  forth  a  most  vindictive  cry, 
And  then  commenc'd  exultingly  to  boast, 
To  cheer  the  chief  and  animate  the  host, 
To  drive  resistless  thro'  the  spacious  gate. 
And  said  one  eflfort  would  subdue  the  state. 
Eight  thousand  nien  were  order'd  then  to  face, 
And  force  a  passage  thro'  the  open  space. 
The  whole  were  lauded  with  a  great  applause 
That  did  endeavour  to  support  the  cause. 
And  each  commander  had  avow'd  from  hence, 
A  true  allegiance  to  the  German  Prince, 
And  all  would  fight  with  honor  and  renown. 
To  make  him  King  and  wear  a  Stuart's  crown. 
Eight  thousand  more  had  been  commanded  near. 
To  stand  as  bulwarks  to  the  men  in  rear, 
Thinking  still,  that,  that  prodigious  sight. 
Would  clear  the  place  and  put  them  all  to  flight. 
Yet,  all  their  planning  and  egregious  care. 
Could  get  no  quarters  or  admittance  there. 
All  Irish  chiefs  with  emulation's  glow. 
Had  been  preparing  to  resist  the  foe, 
2 


14 

And  all  rusVd  forward  to  defend  the  gate. 

Or  yield  with  honor  to  the  shafts  of  fate, 

Each  furious  bloodhound,  stain'd  with  human  gore, 

As  those  vile  imps  had  often  been  before. 

Had  been  approaching  wi-th  tremendous  show, 

To  try  the  valor  of  their  Irish  foe, 

And  all  those  bent  to  pilfer  and  to  slay, 

Vfere  not  allow' d  to  measure  back  their  way. 

They  fell  relentless  to  their  sad  disgrace, 

"Within  the  fort  which  had  defil'd  the  place. 

Till  holy  men  who  had  commenc'd  to  pray, 

With  prayer  and  patience  clear'd  the  stain  away. 

The  fray  commenc'd  with  an  exceeding  rage, 

As  being  incited  by  the  sire  and  sage. 

Six  thousand  men  and  of  the  daring  kind. 

That  had  been  back'd  by  all  the  troops  behind. 

Then  furious  ran  into  the  outward  gate. 

And  seem'd  inconscious  of  impending  fate. 

To  glut  their  vengeance  and  unhallow'd  ire. 

Was  all  they  wish'd  and  all  they  would  desire. 

'Twas  then  well,  fixed  each  Irish  hero  stood, 

Alike  an  oak  the  monarch  of  the  wood. 

He  stood  awaiting  every  agile  hind. 

To  enter  first  to  close  the  gate  behind. 

And  then  with  valor  and  determin'd  will. 

The  blood-stain'd  demon  on  the  spot  to  kill.' 

Therein  they  rush'd,  the  most  insid'ous  foe. 

Like  mountain  torrents  on  the  plains  below. 

Each  Irish  hero  made  a  gallant  stand. 

And  cleft  a  viper  with  a  daring  hand. 

The  women  fought  with  an  amazing  rage, 

And  men  decripid  with  declining  age, 

The  foe  that  stood,  they  had  constrained  to  die, 

As  well  as  those  who  did  attempt  to  fly. 

Such  a  scene  was  never  seen  before. 

As  was  inside  and  on  the  naked  shore. 

The  dying  groans  and  unrelented  fate. 

Of  wicked  vipers  that  defil'd  the  state, 

Found  no  compassion  where  compassion  lies. 

In  Irish  feelings,  bosoms,  hearts,  and  eyes. 


15 

As  the  aggressions  of  a  direful  foe, 

Thus,  made  their  feelings  by  degrees  to  grow. 

And  all  survivors  had  been  driven  hence. 

To  find  protection  from  a  German  Prince. 

Again  they  rallied  a  revenge  to  try, 

And  those  that  came  to  conquer,  came  to  die. 

At  last  unwilling,  the  impotent  Liege, 

Had  struck  his  colour's  and  resign'd  the  siege. 

William,  Prince  of  Orange,  was  entrenched  at  that 
time  before  the  walls  of  Limerick,  having  under  his 
command  twenty-six  thousand  men,  skilfully  ac- 
quainted with  military  discipline  and  all  other  pre- 
liminary arrangement  pertaining  to  tactics,  and 
having  also  ancillary  to  him,  generals  of  consummate 
skill,  perseverance  and  courage,  and  as  an  append- 
age to  all  these  advantages,  he  had  in  his  camp 
forty  pieces  of  heavy  cannon,  and  some  mortars, 
together  with  an  abundance  of  ammunition  and 
small  arms  to  carry  his  design  into  execution.  In 
a  word  he  had  every  thing  to  secure  to  himself  a 
victory,  though  being  shamefully  defeated  in  his 
undertaking.  Before  William  had  taken  his  depar- 
ture from  Limerick,  he  sat  fire  to  the  houses  where 
lay  the  sick  and  the  wounded,  and  all  inevitably 
perished,  in  the  conflagration,  the  L^ish  on  the  other 
hand,  wanted  an  equivalent,  they  were  inferior  in 
number,  in  means,  in  ammunition  and  arms,  and 
other  necessary  implements  to  render  the  fortifica- 
tion of  the  place  complete ;  the  garrison  had  been 
defended  by  twenty  thousand  men,  and  half  that 
number  only  armed  ;  too  small  a  force  to  render  the 
place  impregnable  in  the  hour  of  extremity,  against 
the  ferocious  assaults  of  so  ferocious  and  formidab]e 
an  enemy ;  the  other  ten  thousand  being  partially 
armed  with  bludgeons,  and  every  missile  that  came 
handy  to  render  themselves  obnoxious  to  the  unholy 
invaders,  and  to  the  unjust  usurpation  and  preten- 
sions of  an  ambitious  foreign  Prince.  The  Irish 
rendered  that  battle  memorable  by  the  decimation 


16 

of  William's  army,  including  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
eight  of  his  officers  that  had  been  killed  or  wounded. 

When  William  left  with  his  defeated  force, 

He  thought  it  prudent  to  pursue  his  course, 

To  seek  some  harbor,  where  he  could  embark, 

And  cross  the  Channel  in  the  safest  ark. 

The  sick  and  wounded  he  contrived  to  burn, 

And  for  their  ashes  had  no  sacred  urn. 

He  left  to  Ginckle  under  his  command, 

All  his  survivors  in  that  fairy  land. 

And  said  to  him  before  he  did  depart, 

Beware  my  friend  how  you  will  act  your  part. 

Bad  news  conceal  from  your  desponding  host, 

When  most  in  want  you  make  the  greatest  boast. 

All  parts  of  moment  to  yourself  secure. 

And  then  with  caution  do  the  whole  ensure. 

To  my  directions  give  unerring  heed, 

I'll  send  you  succor  in  the  time  of  need. 

So  said,  departed,  steer'd  his  course  for  Hull, 

To  tell  his  losses  to  his  friend  John  Bull, 

Ere  long  the  Prince  had  sent  a  mighty  chief,* 

In  tactics  skill'd,  and  in  direction  brief. 

Who  soon  had  landed  with  a  mighty  host. 

Of  valiant  soldiers  on  the  Irish  coast. 

He  said  he  came  when  landed  on  the  shore, 

To  do  the  work  which  was  undone  before. 

That  all  possessions  that  were  lost — from  thence, 

Must  be  conceded  to  his  gracious  Prince. 

His  ships  lay  moor'd  on  undulating  waves. 

He  shows  no  mercy  and  no  mercy  craves. 

His  acts  accorded  with  the  words  he  spoke. 

His  chains  were  fasten'd  to  his  heavy  yoke. 

Aspiring  then  as  full  commission  bore. 

His  threats  were  harsh,  and  still  his  vengeance  more. 

As  Corkf  was  then  defended  by  a  few. 

Of  loyal  chieftains  and  unflinching  too. 


*  The  Duke  of  Marlborough. 

I  Cork,  a  city  in  the  county  Cork. 


17 

Who  sat  in  council  to  defend  the  state, 

'Gainst  wick'd  men  and  all  the  shafts  of  fate. 

Thej  in  their  council  this  conclusion  drew, 

To  give  to  Ca3sar  what  was  Caesar's  due. 

To  use  resistance  let  come  weal  or  woe, 

And  brave  the  fury  of  the  daring  foe. 

We'll  stand  said  they  as  now  the  die  is  cast, 

While  life  is  left,  and  ammunition  last. 

Marlborough  then,  drew  up  in  front  and  rear, 

Ten  thousand  men  with  his  unerring  care. 

Then  faced  the  fort  with  unabated  ire. 

And  gave  directions  to  his  men  to  fire. 

Obey'd  and  fired,  desired  to  load  again, 

To  take  the  lives  of  inoffensive  men. 

That  had  united  to  protect  their  lives, 

Their  homes,  their  children,  and  their  loving  wives, 

Against  the  force  of  a  rapacious  band, 

That  curs'd,  polluted,  and  devoured  the  land. 

The  few  united  in  the  sacred  cause, 

Provok'd  and  madden'd  by  oppressive  laws, 

Enrag'd  they  fought,  without  a  hope  to  gain. 

And  death  prefer'd  before  the  victor's  chain, 

Unmov'd  by  fear,  or  desperation  stood. 

That  mighty  band  in  streams  of  kindred  blood, 

And  would  resist  if  all  were  sure  to  die. 

And  in  their  trenches  unlamented  lie. 

The  siege  was  long  and  ammunition  short. 

Which  had  defeated  every  Irish  heart. 

Unwilling  then  did  every  brilliant  star, 

Kesign  himself  a  prisoner  of  war. 

No  mercy  got  from  their  immortal  foe. 

Their  fate  was  certain,  yet  the  poison  slow. 

In  loathsome  dungeons  were  compell'd  to  lie. 

Till  thirst  and  hunger  caus'd  the  whole  to  die. 

The  chiefs*  renown  and  universal  name. 

His  brilliant  skill  and  undecaying  fame. 

Had  fired  the  chief  and  his  prodigious  host, 

To  waste  the  country  and  pollute  the  coast. 

*  Marlborough. 

2* 


18 

To  seek  a  chief  of  pure  Milesian  race, 

The  bold  defender*  of  his  native  place. 

Some  went  by  land,  and  some  had  gone  by  sea, 

With  shouts  unequall'd  and  unbounded  glee. 

No  winds  obtruded,  or  no  frightful  gale. 

Until  they  landed  near  the  town  Kingsale. 

The  noble  chief  had  a  commanding  view, 

Of  ev'ry  ship  with  her  ungracious  crew. 

He  saw  the  troops  approaching  then  by  land. 

And  all  the  sailors  on  the  naked  strand. 

He  spoke  as  thus  to  all  his  men  and  said, 

We  are  but  few,  and  can  expect  no  aid. 

Let  us  my  friends,  this  daring  host  defy. 

I  have  no  fear  that  you  intend  to  fly. 

To  such  vile  vultures  we'll  not  yield  an  inch. 

Perhaps  they  think  that  we  intend  to  flinch. 

Not  so,  I  swear,  by  every  sacred  tie. 

We'll  stand  this  place,  if  every  man  should  die. 

The  fleet  commenc'd  immediately  to  fire. 

Which  was  returned  with  tremendous  ire, 

By  brave  M'Carthy  and  his  little  aid, 

Who  would  with  prudence  all  his  debts  have  paid, 

To  all  his  foes  that  were  on  land  and  sea, 

And  still  retain  his  sacred  liberty. 

A  lengthy  siege  exhausted  all  his  store, 

Destroy'd  his  men  when  he  could  get  no  more. 

The  heroic  chief  and  little  aid  forgot. 

For  want  of  means  to  fire  another  shot. 

He  was  compell'd  without  another  blow, 

At  once  to  yield  to  his  immortal  foe. 

0 !  that  day,  a  day  of  grief  and  gloom. 

Had  seal'd  his  fate,  and  nail'd  his  country's  doom. 

The  generalsf  met  in  some  great  rendezvous, 

And  all  their  aids  had  there  assembled  too, 

To  form  a  scheme  at  which  they  could  rejoice, 

Without  a  jar,  or  one  dissenting  voice. 

*  Colonel  M'Carthy,  defender  of  the  town  of  Kinpale. 
f  Ginckle,  Douglas,  and  Marlborough,  chief  generals. 


19 

As  then  divested  of  external  fear, 

Their  foes  being  vanquish'd,  and  their  skies  being 

clear, 
They  thus  suggested  to  pursue  this  course, 
To  send  bold  Tatton  with  an  armed  force, 
With  an  intention  to  subdue  and  slay. 
And  show  no  mercy  on  his  blood-stain'd  way. 
They  said  to  him  you  strict  attention  pay. 
To  all  in  council  you  shall  hear  to  day. 
Show  no  mercy,  don't  your  mind  perplex, 
To  make  distinction  between  age  or  sex. 
Make  of  both  one  huge  promiscuous  heap, 
And  rather  laugh  than  be  inclined  to  weep. 
Their  screams  of  pity  do  not  seem  to  mind, 
But  stain  with  carnage  every  step  behind. 
Such  trivial  crimes  will  give  us  no  offence. 
And  will  be  pleasing  to  our  gracious  Prince. 
Tatten  launch'd  with  all  his  might  and  main, 
A  warlike  troop  and  a  prodigious  train. 
His  heart  well  steel'd  to  quell  approaching  strife, 
Or  in  the  act  to  sacrifice  his  life. 
He  thought  he  could  resist  opposing  powers. 
As  wintry  chills  resist  the  growth  of  flowers. 
Or  as  the  tide  with  its  resistless  force, 
Could  stem  a  stream  and  renovate  its  course. 
Most  men  will  err,  for  few  unerring  view, 
And  Tatten  did,  and  was  mistaken  too. 
For  soon  he  met  with  a  convincing  force. 
That  check'd  his  efforts  and  restrain'd  his  course, 
Made  him  wheel  back,  with  all  his  murderous  host, 
As  by  proceeding  ev'ry  one  was  lost. 

General  Tatten  was  advised  at  his  setting  out  to 
penetrate  as  far  as  the  county  Kerry,  and  subdue 
the  inhabitants  of  the  place.  But  his  enemies  were 
so  formidable  and  dangerous  that  it  had  been  the 
general  opinion  that  he  never  went  half  the  distance, 
as  his  army  had  been  harassed  by  the  fearless  in- 
habitants of  the  county  Cork,  who  assailed  him  in 
front  and  rear,  and  from  behind  hedges  and  ditches, 


20 

with  fury,  courage,  and  animation,  and  by  a  peculiar 
mode  of  warfare  of  their  own,  which  unchanged  and 
suspended  all  his  military  pretensions,  and  made 
him  think  to  find  shelter  from  the  combined  forces 
of  his  generals.  On  his  rout  he  met  with  an  un- 
daunted chief  of  the  Princely  race  of  M'Carthy, 
who  rendered  the  castle  of  Ross  impregnable,  and 
gave  Tatten  a  warm  reception  that  dispirited  his 
troops  and  cancelled  all  his  military  ambition. 

Ginckle  went  afterwards  to  Kerry  to  brin^  the 
loyal  inhabitants  of  the  place  to  submission,  but 
with  little  better  success.  Douglas  being  incited 
by  original  animosity  took  his  departure  for  Sligo 
where  he  was  kept  busy  during  that  winter  by  the 
Duke  of  Berwick  and  his  few  followers,  the  country 
at  the  time  being  inundated  with  troops,  ammunition, 
and  arms,  and  all  other  preparations  for  a  summer 
campaign. 

When  spring  put  forth  her  soft  refulgent  rays, 

And  warblers  carol'd  their  amusing  lays. 

The  Prince  had  sent  to  that  unguard'd  coast, 

A  most  stupendous  and  amazing  host, 

Of  hateful  harpies  a  revenge  to  take. 

That  look'd  like  natives  of  the  Stygian  lake. 

And  all  well  furnish'd  with  abundant  means. 

To  slay  the  Irish  or  to  bind  in  chains. 

All  loyal  chiefs  who  were  devoted  grown, 

To  James  their  King  and  to  his  royal  throne. 

They  fill'd  the  land,  with  famine,  crimes  and  throes, 

And  wick'd  imps  had  made  the  worst  of  foes. 

When  summer  came  with  all  his  rosy  hues. 

And  balmy  nights  and  their  congenial  dews, 

To  call  to  action  that  ignoble  host. 

The  best  consider'd  that  could  curse  the  most. 

When,  then,  excited  by  the  dire  alarm. 

Each  grasp'd  his  sword  and  rais'd  his  murderous 

arm. 
And  all  obedient  to  superior  Lords, 
In  heavy  columns  mov'd  the  murdering  hords, 


21 

All  perverted  by  a  poisonous  spring, 
To  fight  for  William  and  denounce  their  King. 
The  Irish  chiefs  with  patience  did  await, 
For  some  assistance  from  a  foreign  state, 
Which  Louis  promis'd  to  the  exil'd  King — 
To  have  them  sent  the  first  approach  of  spring. 
The  spring  appear'd  and  still  the  long  delay, 
Kept  matters  back,  until  the  eighth  of  May. 
At  last  the  King  had  sent  them  some  supplies, 
When  gales  decay'd  and  came  serener  skies, 
Not,  that  abundance  or  expected  aid. 
He  said  he'd  send,  that  he  so  long  delay'd, 
As  a  defence  he  sent  them  puny  arms. 
Which  when  receiv'd  excited  fierce  alarms, 
And  all  together  made  but  little  show. 
Without  one  cannon  to  resist  the  foe. 
He  sent  them  money  such  as  he  could  find. 
All  in  crowns*  and  of  the  copper  kind. 
He  sent  them  troops  which  is  a  solemn  truth, 
And  as  a  leader  gasconading  Ruth, 
Whom  James  made  chief  of  that  disastrous  war, 
Which  doom'd  the  glory  of  each  Irish  star. 
That's  all  he  sent  them  to  support  the  cause, 
And  help  his  subjects  to  enforce  his 'laws. 
King  James  in  this  was  not  indeed  to  blame. 
As  Louis  promis'd  to  support  his  claim. 
When  Ginckle  left  with  ostentatious  pride. 
The  queen  of  cities  near  the  ocean's  side, 
A  place  selected  by  devouring  foes. 
The  place  thro'  which  the  gentle  Liffey  flows. 
His  great  astounding  and  alarming  train. 
The  land  did  tremble  and  disturb'd  the  main. 
Such  loud  explosions  must  convulse  the  air, 
By  all  the  cannon  had  been  firing  there. 
William's  friends  had  witness'd  the  display, 
A  sign  memorial  of  that  direful  day — 

*  He  sent  one  million  and  a  half  of  copper  crowns,  two  thou- 
sand barrels  of  powder  and  some  clothing,  six  thousand  troops, 
and  many  of  them  unfaithful  to  the  cause. 


22 

When  all  was  o'er  the  fiendish  troops  unblest, 

Took  up  their  march  and  then  approach'd  the  west. 

'Twas  in  their  way  enveloped  by  a  wood, 

Close  to  the  road  an  ancient  castle  stood, 

And  once  the  seat  of  some  unflinching  chief, 

Perhaps  was  slain,  or  liv'd  to  die  in  grief — 

When  left  a  waste  few  men  as  a  defence, 

Had  shelter'd  there,  and  gave  no  one  offence. 

When  Ginckle  saw  convenient  to  the  road, 

The  ancient  castle  and  the  grand  abode. 

He  ask'd  his  men  and  then  he  ask'd  in  vain. 

What  Lord,  or  lady,  own'd  that  great  domain. 

As  none  could  tell  he  sent  a  faithful  guard, 

To  tell  the  lady  or  the  noble  lord, 

That  all  together  must  belong  from  hence, 

To  his  own  gracious  and  unerring  Prince. 

Go  said  he,  and  circulate  the  news, 

'Twill  show  their  madness  if  they  dare  refuse, 

The  tyrant  stood  awaiting  in  suspense. 

As  a  refusal  would  create  offence. 

Away  they  went  to  gratify  his  ire, 

But  were  repuls'd  by  a  tremendous  fire. 

'Twas  then  the  tyrant  did  his  vengeance  show, 

He  shot  the  men  and  hung  their  leader  too, 

That  little  company  consisted  of  fifteen  men  and 
a  sergeant  who  commanded  them,  and  urged  them 
to  resist  to  the  last  the  rapacious  aggressions  of  the 
unprincipled  tyrant,  Ginckle,  and  his  formidable 
army.  If  the  tyrant  were  not  wanting  humanity, 
he  would  applaud  the  incomparable  magnanimity 
of  the  heroic  sergeant,  rather  than  signalize  his 
name  by  a  shameful  execution. 

The  fray  expir'd  they  soon  were  on  their  way, 
Their  drums  to  rattle  and  their  fifes  to  play. 
Long  loud  huzzas  had  issued  from  thence. 
In  praise  of  William  the  usurping  Prince. 
A  troubl'd  conscience  was  to  each  unknown. 
Whilst  moving  forward  to  the  town  Athlone. 


23 

Before  they  went  the  length,  they  had  to  stand, 
A  brave  defender  of  his  native  land, 
And  to  encounter  an  undaunted  band, 
One  thousand  strong  determin'd  to  resist, 
And  not  for  bounty  did  the  braves  enlist. 
As  courage  prompt'd  every  man  to  stand, 
In  front  of  danger  to  defend  the  land. 
All  pledg'd  themselves  not  to  debauch  the  laws, 
Nor  act  inglorious  in  the  noble  cause, 
And  pledg'd  to  combat  when  the  die  was  cast 
While  one  would  stand  and  ammunition  last. 
The  chief  appear'd  with  a  tremendous  host. 
And  thirty  cannon  which  he  priz'd  the  most, 
Which  bad  been  planted  with  judicious  care. 
Close  by  the  fortress,  both  in  front  and  rear. 
The  match  applied  without  the  least  delay, 
'Till  smoke  and  thunder  did  consume  the  day. 
Each  Irish  chieftain  faithful  to  his  trust, 
Was  not  compell'd  by  any  thing  like  must. 
To  move  himself  against  the  furious  blast. 
That  blew  so  strong  and  promised  long  to  last. 
Irapell'd  by  justice  and  internal  ire, 
A  loud,  tremendous,  and  incessant  fire. 
Had  long  continued  to  resist  a  host. 
That  curs'd  the  land  and  poisoned  all  the  coast, 
And  by  their  actions  every  man  could  tell, 
The  very  host  had  issu'd  forth  from  hell. 
The  Irish  fought  as  Irishmen  ^\ill  9o, 
With  reckless  courage  and  with  caution  too, 
Till  all  was  spent,  no  powder  left  to  prime. 
Without  the  hope  of  any  more  in  time. 
They  then  surrender'd  in  that  fatal  fray, 
Which  prov'd  to  them  a  most  disastrous  day. 

This  little  garrison  was  situated  within  ten  short 
miles  of  the  town  of  Athlone,  in  a  place  called 
Ballimore,  and  had  been  defended  by  one  thousand 
men,  under  the  command  of  an  intrepid  chief,  named 
Ulick  Burke  who  resisted  with  im^incible  courage, 
skill  and  animation,  until  all  ammunition  was  spent, 


24 

twenty-five  thousand  effective  men,  under  the  com- 
mand of  the  consummate  Ginckle.  Ginckle  had  then 
also,  with  him,  thirty  pieces  of  heavy  cannon  and 
some  mortars,  and  nothing  left  to  continue  the  de- 
fence. After  the  survivors  surrendered  to  Ginckle, 
seven  hundred  in  number,  he  sent  them  to  the 
Island  of  Lumbey,  near  Dublin,  destitute  of  food 
and  raiment,  where  they  inevitably  perished.  Such 
savage  barbarity  inflicted  on  human  beings,  by  any 
other  civilized  nation,  is  not  recorded  on  the  page 
of  history. 

Soon  Ginckle  came  with  a  prodigious  train, 
And  troops  unnumber'd  to  escort  the  main. 
Eich  lands  and  titles,  tenements  and  all, 
Would  undisputed  to  the  victors  fall, 
And  every  hero,  void  of  heavenly  fear, 
When  all  was  o'er,  would  be  created  peer. 
Each  man  intended  what  he  could  afford. 
And  many  a  shoe  black  had  been  made  a  lord. 
On  Shannon  plains  where  nature  is  profuse. 
And  once  the  haunt  of  ev'ry  rhyming  muse, 
The  armies  met  distinguished  and  array'd, 
And  warlike  colors  ev'ry  rank  displayed. 
A  council  sat  and  held  discussion  there, 
And  all  commanders  had  to  interfere. 
Thence,  to  display  his  individual  art. 
Show  in  the  contest  how  to  act  his  part, 
Arrange  each  line,  and  then,  inspect  the  whole. 
Address,  command,  and  skillfully  control. 
Each  plan  submitted  in  that  airy  hall. 
Had  been  rejected,  or  approv'd  by  all. 
A  long  discussion  on  superior  sway, 
Dissolved  the  council,  then  commenced  the  fray. 
The  evening  came,  Hesperus  blaz'd  the  most. 
And  seem'd  the  queen  of  all  the  starry  host. 
The  chiefs  were  wishing  for  the  morning  ray, 
Or  blushing  clouds  that  indicate  the  day. 
All  seem'd  anxious  for  the  coming  strife. 
And  for  his  prince  to  sacrifice  his  life. 


25 

On  the  other  side,  the  Irish  boldly  stood, 

And  seem'd  regardless  of  their  lives  and  blocd. 

The  foe's  display  they  did  not  seem  to  mind, 

Altho'  in  number  they  were  far  behind. 

With  courage  steel'd  and  animation's  glow, 

They  stood  awaiting  the  invidious  foe, 

And  like  the  babe,*  that  in  the  cradle  lay, 

Yet  crush'd  the  serpent  that  approach'd  to  slay. 

The  valiant  men,  would  crush  the  tyrants  too. 

But  their  commander  wove  a  slender  clue. 

Whom  James  made  chief  of  other  chiefs,  unknown. 

Which  ruin'd  the  cause  and  did  himself  dethrone. 

The  river  Shannon  just  divides  the  town, 

Which  had  been  noted  to  support  the  crown. 

Against  the  force  of  a  usurping  Prince, 

Not  long  before  was  driven  forth  from  thence, 

Which  is  acknowledg'd  to  have  been  the  case. 

By  the  undaunt'd  and  immortal  Grace. f 

But  to  retrieve  his  lost  lamented  fame. 

He  thought  it  prudent  to  renew  the  same. 

On  Leinster  side,  there  stood  a  fortress  then. 

Which  had  been  guarded  by  three  hundred  men. 

Who  were  averse  to  cowardice  and  grief. 

And  were  commanded  by  an  Irish  Chief  J 

Who  sent  them  forward  to  contest  the  way 

With  daring  Ginckle,  of  unbounded  sway, 

Who  was  approaching  with  a  mighty  host. 

And  threats  and  thunders,  and  exulting  boast. 

You  think  the  thunderer  would  stem  the  tide, 

With  all  his  great  pomposity  and  pride. 

Those  that  lived  by  slow  degrees  withdrew, 

And  all  survivors  had  been  very  few. 

Tho'  all  that  storm  and  amazing  rage. 

Is  known  to  all  in  this  enlighten'd  age ; 

The  haughty,  lordly,  gasconading  Ruth, 

A  well  confirm'd  and  undoubted  truth, 

Supinely  lay  within  his  tent  that  day, 

Without  assisting  in  that  dreadful  fray. 

*  Hercules.  f  Colonel  Grace.  |  General  Fitzgerald. 

3 


26 

He  sent  no  aid  to  stem  the  direful  spring, 

Or  aid  the  Irish  to  restore  their  King. 

He  was  the  cause  of  everlasting  grief, 

Whom  exiled  Jemmy*  had  created  chief, 

That  dimm'd  the  lustre  of  the  brightest  star, 

A  friend  in  peace,  but  otherwise  in  war.f 

The  little  band  that  stood  the  outward  siege, 

And  show'd  allegiance  to  their  banished  Liege. 

Some  stood  undaunted  the  devouring  blaze, 

While  others  left  the  Shannon  bridge  to  raze, 

Which  they  completed  with  judicious  care. 

Till  nothing  left  but  naked  pillars  there. 

To  the  Irish  fort,  then  all  survivors  went, 

Not  on  submission  but  resistance  bent. 

When  Ginckle  heard  the  bridge  had  been  destroy'd. 

His  mind  seem'd  ruffled  and  his  plans  annoy'd. 

He  sat  concocting  some  judicious  scheme. 

Then,  how  with  safety  he  could  cross  the  stream, 

Which  would  of  course  be  well  contested  then. 

By  brave  commanders  and  courageous  men. 

The  river  lay  between  contending  hosts, 

Which  gave  them  time  to  fortify  their  posts. 

The  Irish  town  had  a  stupendous  wall, 

A  sure  resistance  to  a  cannon  ball. 

'Twas  lined  with  clay  some  eighteen  feet  in  breadth, 

And  seem'd  a  refuge  from  approaching  death. 

Among  that  host,  not  one  desponding  soul, 

Yet  want  of  cannonj  had  destroyed  the  whole. 

It  was  considered  ere  the  foe  could  cross, 

He  would  sustain  a  very  heavy  loss. 

No  time  elaps'd  till  Ginckle  did  appear, 

With  brilliant  banners  both  in  front  and  rear. 

Great  roaring  cannon  issuing  smoke  and  fire. 

Which  show'd  his  anger  and  display'd  his  ire ; 

Against  the  wall  he  pour'd  his  globes  of  lead, 

'Till  he  considered  every  one  was  dead. 

But  finding  then,  his  distance  from  the  spot, 

Made  them  impregnable  to  every  shot, 

*  King:  James.  f  Sarsfield. 

X  They  had  some  cannon  but  not  of  sufficient  caliber. 


27 

He  tbought  he'd  form  some  judicious  pass, 

That  could  convey  his  daring  host  across. 

And  thinking  then  a  near  approach  would  rake, 

The  town  interior,  and  the  fortress  shake. 

"With  moving  breastworks  he  approach'd  the  shore, 

To  make  a  bridge  where  cross'd  the  bridge  before. 

He  stretch'd  a  plank  on  each  successive  pier, 

'Midst  roars  of  cannon  to  expel  his  fear, 

Until  a  shell  did  set  his  works  on  fire, 

Which  made  him  quit  and  from  the  place  retire. 

Then,  as  a  tiger  in  his  iron  cage, 

That  some  intruders  would  excite  his  rage, 

Or  some  fierce  lion  in  his  dreary  den. 

He  roar'd  the  experiment  he'd  try  again. 

And  so  he  did,  determin'd  to  succeed. 

And  build  a  bridge  to  stand  in  time  of  need. 

The  bridge  he  laid  with  such  egregious  skill. 

And  quite  regardless  of  the  number  fell. 

Those  death  had  cuU'd  from  that  enormous  host, 

As  wanting  mercy  are  forever  lost. 

The  men,  protected  by  the  cannons'  roar, 

The  beams  projected  to  the  other  shore. 

Which  was  consider'd  as  access  to  all, 

And  felt  no  danger  that  the  bridge  would  fall. 

But  to  their  grief,  and  great  lamented  loss, 

Not  o'er  the  bridge  was  one  alloW'ed  to  cross  ! 

Ten  Irishmen,  possessed  of  courage  rare. 

Withdrew  themselves  from  all  the  army  there ; 

Tho'  well  aware  of  their  ill  fated  lot. 

They  rush'd  together,  to  the  fearful  spot. 

To  raze  the  bridge  ;  tho'  every  hero  fell 

By  cannot  shot,  or  some  disastrous  shell ! 

Their  fate  decreed,  yet  beams  were  seen  adrift, 

Which  caused  the  imps  to  make  another  shift. 

Was  there  such  courage  in  the  Grecian  boy 

Who  sack'd  and  plundered  proud  imperial  Troy  ? 

As,  being  conceal'd  within  a  wooden  frame. 

To  prop,  establish,  and  complete  his  scheme  ; 


28 

The  men  that  fell  acquir'd  immortal  fame, 

And  their  brave  Serjeant*  had  acquir'd  the  same. 

The  smoke  had  clear'd,  as  Phoebus  shot  his  ray, 
To  clear  the  mist  and  all  the  smoke  away  ; 
The  bridge  appear'd  not  utterly  destroy'd, 
Still  greatly  damaged,  and  their  schemes  annoy'd ; 
Ten  men,  conspicuously  with  courage  blest, 
Had  boldly  offer'd  to  destroy  the  rest. 
AVith  noble  pride  from  thence  decamp'd  the  ten, 
But  two  returned  to  greet  the  camp  again  ; 
Yet  every  plank,  and  each  stupendous  beam. 
Were  soon  distinguish'd  floating  down  the  stream  ; 
The  ten,  encouraged  by  a  daring  soul 
Who  cheer'd  his  men  till  they  destroyed  the  whole ; 
That  God  may  grant  them  everlasting  rest, 
As  they  lived  happy,  and  departed  blest ! 

I  know  not  the  name  of  the  Serjeant  who  com- 
manded the  last  band,  but  he  must  be  a  man  of 
unspeakable  courage  who  offered  his  services,  and 
knowing  the  lamentable  fate  of  his  predecessors; 
and  as  soon  as  Erin  is  free  from  the  detestable 
grasp  of  intolerance,  usurpation  and  tyranny,  which 
must   eventually  be  the  case  in  the  course  of  time, 
there  will  be  a  gigantic  pyramid  built  on  the  same 
spot,  to   commemorate  the  valor,  and  immortalize 
the  names  of  the   champions,  in  the  face  of  death 
and  destruction,  who  demolished  that  bridge,  with 
appropriate   inscriptions,  which  I  will  leave  to  the 
inspiration  of  some  future  poet. 
That  blood-stain'd  chief,  more  fond  of  human  blood 
Than  any  tiger  in  the  dreary  wood. 
From  thence  withdrew  with  his  exhausted  host. 
As  being  unable  to  maintain  his  post ; 
Being  fixed,  determined  to  retire  and  fly. 
Bather  than  perish,  or  oppose  to  die. 
And  yet,  one  thought  did  stimulate  the  whole. 
And  forced  to  action  ev'ry  mother's  soul ; 
The  chiefs  then  sat,  consulted,  and  arose 
Again,  determin'd  to  confront  their  foes ; 
*  His  name  was  Costume. 


29 

To  try  one  effort  then,  the  die  was  cast, 
If  that  should  fail,  that  it  should  be  the  last. 
The  chiefs  agreed  to  the  arrangement  made, 
To  rise  with  courage,  and  the  Shannon  wade  ; 
While  heavy  cannon,  and  incessant  fire 
Would  make  the  Irish  from  the  beach  retire  ; 
Knowing  full  well,  St.  Ruth,  with  all  his  force 
Was  too  remote  to  interrupt  their  course ; 
The  Shannon  never  was  before  so  low, 
And  that  with  courage  had  inspired  the  foe : 
Therein  some  plunged,  the  feat  encouraged  more, 
And  thousands  fell  before  they  reach'd  the  shore ; 
Though  great  the  havoc,  with  amazing  pride 
They  cross'd  the  Shannon  to  the  other  side ; 
Where  then  was  Ruth  ?  remote,  carousing,  slow, 
And  made  no  effort  to  retard  the  foe ; 
The  few*  were  left  in  that  defensive  post 
Were  soon  repulsed  by  a  repulsive  host ; 
Alas  !  St.  Ruth  had  been  appriz'd  too  late, 
To  his  surprise  of  an  approaching  fate ; 
Then,  lion-like,  more  angry  than  before, 
He  shook  his  mane,  and  made  a  thundering  roar ; 
He  view'd  afar,  a  vast  prodigious  host, 
And  put  himself  in  a  defensive  post — 
The  King  of  menf  was  second  in  command, 
The  shield  and  shelter  of  his  native  land. 
Oh !  were  he  chief  of  that  disastrous  fray. 
The  thrush  would  warble  her  harmonious  lay, 
The  barren  plants  would  vegetate  and  grow, 
And  stagnant  waters  would  begin  to  flow  ; 
As  with  his  sword,  and  his  undaunted  men, 
He'd  clear  the  Isle  of  ev'ry  viper  then, 
Who  soil'd  that  soil  with  treachery  and  fraud, 
At  home  a  brute,  and  nought  but  brute  abroad  ; 
AYho  knew  not  God,  nor  his  celestial  laws, 
And  stopp'd  at  nothing,  to  promote  his  cause — 
Where  is  he  now  ?  come,  serious  reader,  pause, 

*  1,300  men  defended  the  fort  against  25,000. 
f  Sarsfield. 

3* 


30 

To  Auglirim,  then,  the  tyrant  bent  his  course, 

With  noted  chiefs,  and  a  tremendous  force. 

AVhen,  being  apprised  St.  Ruth  was  posted  there, 

He  was  surprised,  and  shook  with  inward  fear, 

Tho'  Ruth  in  vigilance  was  wanting,  still 

He  was  a  man  of  a  superior  skill; 

He  seem'd  elated  in  his  warlike  camp. 

As  nought  the  courage  of  his  troops  could  damp  ; 

The  ground  he  chose  was  solid,  high  and  drj, 

To  view  the  foe  with  a  sagacious  eye — 

Tho'  far  behind  in  number  he  had  been, 

He  built  his  hopes  on  his  undaunted  men  ; 

Who  were  as  anxious  to  confront  the  foe. 

As  a  bride  in  marriage,  to  enjoy  her  beau  ; 

No  spot  could  he  to  more  advantage  find. 

As  being  protected  from  approach  behind 

By  towering  hills,  stupendous,  straight  and  high. 

By  nature  fixed  between  the  earth  and  sky ; 

Broken  bridges,  rivers  deep  and  clear, 

AVith  other  breastworks  to  defend  the  rear. 

In  front  there  lay  a  very  deep  morass. 

Which  seem'd  impossible  for  man  to  pass — 

By  nature's  hand  projected  long  ago. 

As  if  determin'd  to  prevent  the  foe  ; 

Two  passes  then  were  only  known  to  yield 

A  safe  admittance  to  the  hostile  field. 

Soon  Ginckle  made  arrangements  to  proceed, 

As  more  the  danger,  more  will  be  the  meed ; 

He  thought  it  prudent  to  pursue  the  chase. 

And  force  a  passage  through  each  narrow  space  ; — 

Tho'  both  were  guarded  with  assiduous  care. 

And  men  of  valor  to  oppose  him  there. 

The  priests  prepar'd  before  that  fatal  fray. 

Each  chief  and  hero,  who,  inclined  to  pray ; 

As  hundreds  fell  of  that  annointed  host. 

And  fell  defending  the  contested  post ; 

Old  age  and  youth,  the  patriot  and  the  sage, 

Were  swept  alike  in  that  convulsive  rage  ; — 

The  holy  church,  whose  Godlike  virtues,  still 

Have  been  assail'd  by  ev'ry  whip-poor-will. 


31 

And  by  vile  heresy's  deluding  cry, 

"When  fearless  saints  preparing  men  to  die, 

Had  stood  that  siege,  regardless  of  their  lives, 

While  parsons  frolick'd  with  their  handsome  wives, 

Is  there  a  prize  for  those  that  fast  and  pray, 

While  hunting  parsons  will  consume  the  day 

In  feasting,  dancing,  drinking  punch  and  wine. 

And,  bless  the  mark !  they  call  themselves  divine  ! 

July  12th  the  tiger  did  prepare     1692 

To  bring  his  forces  on  the  place  to  bear ; 

Aughrim's  pass  had  stretch'd  along  the  fen. 

And  had  been  guard'd  by  two  thousand  men, 

That  no  compulsion  could  compel  to  yield, 

As  being  enclos'd  within  an  ancienf^  shield ; 

With  giant  hearts  they  stood  to  overthrow 

The  vile  perfidious  and  rapacious  foe, 

And  being  encouraged  by  a  valiant  chief,t 

Whose  style  was  lofty  and  oration  brief. 

On  the  other  pass,  the  first  attack  was  made 

By  well  drilled  armies,  who  were  not  afraid. 

And  sought  the  Irish  to  dislodge  from  thence, 

Who  fought  like  lions  in  their  own  defence. 

The  first  explosion  had  convulsed  the  ranks. 

And  thousands  labored  with  deserved  thanks, 

Contending  still  for  every  inch  of  ground. 

And  hundreds  fell  to  gain  a  rising  mound. 

Surprising  fought  all  Irishmen  that  day. 

And  being  victorious  in  the  first  aifray, 

The  foe  broke  loose  and  soon  rebounded  back. 

As  being  defeated  in  the  first  attack — 

And  when  they  rallied,  with  redoubled  ire, 

As  children  subject  to  a  faithful  sire. 

They  moved  in  columns,  heavy,  close,  and  slow, 

And  still  determined  to  dislodge  the  foe, 

Who  still  awaited  with  unerring  aim, 

To  clip  their  pinions  and  efface  their  fame  ; 

They  stood  immovably  the  strenuous  shock, 

And  seemed  the  efforts  of  their  foe's  to  mock. 

*  An  ancient  castle  belonging  to  the  chieftain  O'Kelly. 
t  Colonel  Walter  Burke. 


32 

'Tis  rather  horrid  to  relate  the  way 

That  mortal  hands  did  other  mortals  slay ; 

"  Don't  flinch  my  heroes,"  was  the  Irish  cry, 

Which  made  them  run,  or  in  disorder  fly ; 

And  then  pursued  with  such  impetuous  force, 

That  made  them  shift  and  quickly  fly  the  course. 

St.  Ruth  when  pleased  with  Irish  valor  there, 

Pulled  off  his  cap  and  threw  it  high  in  air. 

That  sad  defeat  and  unexpected  blow, 

Had  much  discouraged  the  intrepid  foe, 

"Who  sat  in  council  to  suggest  a  scheme, 

Would  aid  their  efforts  and  retrieve  their  fame  ; 

Consulting  thus,  they  had  considered  then 

Across  the  moor  to  send  two  thousand  men. 

And  trust  once  more  to  the  decrees  of  fate, 

Which  seemed  averse  to  their  designs  of  late  ; 

Then  force  each  pass,  with  unremitting  ire, 

Retrieve  lost  fame,  or  in  the  scheme  expire  ; 

Like  wolves  that  pant  for  a  defenceless  fold. 

The  men  just  did  as  their  commanders  told  ; 

Each  crossed  the  moor  to  terminate  the  strife, 

Or  in  the  effort  sacrifice  his  life. 

The  Irish  saw  with  a  sagacious  eye, 

Then  rushing  forward  unprepared  to  die, 

An  alien  host,  unscrupulous,  unjust. 

Polluted,  vicious,  treacherous,  unblest, 

Who  fought  with  vengeance,  bold,  vindictive,  brave, 

Tho'  many  met  with  an  untimely  grave, 

And  all  survivors  were  compelled  by  force. 

To  face  the  moor  and  measure  back  their  course ; 

When  the  Irish  did,  M'ith  animation  drive. 

Like  bees  unnumbered  flying  to  the  hive. 

The  foreign  locust  and  unholy  race. 

Devoid  of  mercy  or  the  sign  of  grace. 

They  seemed  inclined  exultingly  to  boast. 

As  every  chieftain  thought  himself  a  host ; 

And  Ruth  reluctantly  had  thrown  aside 

His  lofty  manner,  and  contemptuous  pride, 

And  at  that  time,  with  ostentation,  said. 

He  loved  the  living  and  revered  the  dead, 


83 

And  with  such  men  he  thought  he  could  destroy, 

The  Grecian  heroes  that  subverted  Troy. 

Not  hours,  but  seconds,  did  effect  a  change, 

You  read  the  sequel  and  you'll  think  it  strange ; 

The  chiefs  again,  to  this  conclusion  came. 

That  strenuous  valor  would  restore  their  fame ; 

And  thus  agreed  to  make  the  matter  sure, 

To  send  four  thousand  men  across  the  moor, 

Commanded  were,  by  a  superior  chief. 

With  skill  and  prudence  could  allay  their  grief; 

Some  other  chiefs  with  an  amazing  host, 

Tho'  being  commanders  were  affrighted  most ; 

Through  Aughrim's  pass,  a  ridge  along  the  fen, 

"Which  had  been  leading  to  the  lion's  den,* 

They  did  pursue,  determined,  cool,  and  brave, 

As  being  agressors,  could  no  mercy  crave  ; 

They  had  no  room  to  either  shift  or  fiy, 

But  fight  they  should,  or  else  inglorious  die. 

And  that  sad  fate  undoubtedly  they  feared. 

As  nothing  else  had  to  the  whole  appeared. 

Still,  fate  agreed  another  die  to  cast, 

Which  gave  the  vipers  longer  time  to  last ; 

They  onward  moved  unto  the  very  spot. 

Within  the  limits  of  a  deadly  shot ; 

The  Irish  took  a  sure,  unerring  aim, 

Which  added  much  to  their  extensive  fame. 

They  made  some  thousand  cross  the  Stygian  lake. 

The  whole  of  whom  had  long  accounts  to  make ; 

'Tis  there  vile  Pluto  with  imperious  gloom. 

Assigned  each  villain  his  eternal  doom  ; 

It's  there  wise  Minus'  regulating  laws, 

Producing  effects  from  a  hidden  cause  ; 

By  this  you'll  know  what  will  the  wicked  gain, 

Who  there  forever  unredeemed  remain. 

Few  rounds  were  fired  to  discomfit  the  foe. 

But  fate  averted  the  impending  blow  ; 

Full  flushed  with  hope,  in  a  defensive  state. 

And  not  expecting  that  avenging  fate 

*  Lion's  den,  the  anciont  castle  of  O'Kelly,  which  pass  had 
been  defended  by  2000  heroes. 


34 

"Would  change  the  scene,  and  circumvent  or  plot, 

Their  sad  destruction  by  exchanging  shot  ;* 

Which  filled  the  hopes  of  all  defenders  then, 

Who  had  been  heroes  in  the  shape  of  men. 

Alas  !  what  caused  the  great  mistake  that  day, 

I  pause  to  think  and  still  I  cannot  say  ; 

Tho'  that  sad  change  appeared,  the  Irish  stood. 

Intent  to  perish  for  their  country's  good. 

They  watched  with  vigilance  the  approaching  host, 

And  praised  the  valor  of  who'd  slay  the  most ; 

The  fearful  odds  resistance  did  defy, 

Tho'  the  defenders  were  compelled  to  fly ; 

Or  such  as  stood  had  been  compelled  to  yield. 

And  give  admittance  to  the  hostile  field. 

To  that  unholy  and  outlandish  band, 

Who  came  to  thin  or  desolate  the  land. 

Saint  Ruth  observed,  and  with  a  naked  eye. 

That  fate  adversely  threw  another  die. 

And  then  exclaimed,  that  something  mighty  strange 

Must  cause  that  sudden  and  surprising  change ; 

His  brave  reserve  he  called  then  to  his  aid, 

And  in  their  presence  this  oration  made — 

'^  You  see  my  friends,  our  troops  are  made  to  fly, 

And  such  as  stood,  they  have  adjudged  to  die  ; 

Come  now,  my  friends,  and  let  us  scour  the  plain, 

And  slay  the  vipers  that  pollute  and  stain 

This  holy  soil  with  an  unholy  breath ; 

We'll  cleave  the  foe,  or  else  will  sufi'er  death ; 

Rapacious  harpies  and  invidious  foes, 

Will  feel  the  might  of  our  vindictive  blows ;" 

Then,  death  unseen,  on  pinions  widely  spread, 

Espied  this  leader  and  shot  ofi*  his  head. 

That  shot,  and  that  only,  decided  the  fate  of  the 
day,  and  threw  victory  in  the  hands  of  a  foreign, 
unscrupulous,  and  corruptible  enemy,  and  excluded 
King  James  for  ever  from  the  throne  of  his  ances- 

*  Whoever  supplied  the  garrison  with  ammunition,  sent  in 
mistake  casks  full  of  cannon  shot  instead  of  bullets  ;  that  had 
been  the  cause  of  all  their  misery  and  defeat. 


35 

tors.  St.  Ruth's  arrogance  and  lofty  pretensions 
•were  offensive  and  disgusting  to  the  Irish  generals, 
and  to  the  whole  Irish  army.  He  being  appointed 
commander-in-chief,  by  James,  of  the  Irish  army. 
James,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the  Stuarts,  always 
neglected  the  elevation  of  his  friends,  and  ap- 
pointed his  foes  to  fill  every  situation  of  trust, 
honor,  and  emolument.  Ruth's  ascendency  added 
much  to  his  natural  arrogance  and  vanity,  and  also 
to  his  extravagance ;  the  Irish  though  much  morti- 
fied by  his  ostentation  and  unsuflPerable  bearing, 
which  I  believe  is  hereditary  in  French  officers, 
bore  all  with  unparalleled  patience,  as  they  well 
knew  him  to  be  posssssed  of  great  military  talents, 
and  such,  they  considered,  would  counterpoise  all 
his  other  deficiencies ;  and  if  successful,  would 
plunge  all  his  faults  in  the  stream  of  oblivion  and 
dereliction,  and  also,  the  undying  animosity  they 
intrinsically  cherished  for  an  army  of  foreign, 
murderous,  and  invidious  invaders,  made  them 
patiently  bear  his  pomposity  extravagance  and 
similar  other  defects,  which  are  repugnant  and  at 
variance  with  the  solid  immutable  considerations 
of  a  skilful  and  consumate  general.  When  Ruth 
fell  all  his  plans  demolished,  as  he  never  submitted 
them  to  any  of  his  generals,  which  exposes  his 
vanity,  and  shows  his  government  was  self-appro- 
bation ;  when  Ruth,  with  his  undaunted  reserve, 
left  the  hill  of  Kilcommodan,  where  his  army  was 
posted,  to  oppose  and  retard  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  he  left  Sarsfield,  Earl  of  Lucan,  who  was 
second  in  command,  with  a  great  body  behind, 
with  strict  orders  to  remain  immovable  until  such 
time  as  he  would  receive  fresh  instructions  from 
himself.  With  this  injunction,  though  humiliating  to 
the  distinction  and  dignity  of  so  eminent  a  general 
as  Sarsfield,  he  submissively  complied  rather  than 
incur  his  displeasure,  or  mar,  in  the  slightest  man- 
ner, his  plan  for  carrying  his  designs  into  maturity 
at  such  a  critical  moment,  though  if  he  had  known 


36 

in  time  of  the  death  of  Ruth,  he  might,  with  his 
formidable    reserve,   turn    the    battle   in   his    own 
favour,   but   being   unconscious    of    his    death  he 
remained   in    his   post  according    to   instructions, 
until  he  saw  his  countrymen  fljing  in  all  directions 
before   their   pursuers,    or   an   army   treble  their 
number.     He    then  immediately  rushed   to    their 
assistance,   and  with   his    usual  skill  and  magna- 
nimity  covered    their   retreat,    and    cut   his   way 
through  the  enemy's  lines,  and  with  many  of  his 
countrymen   pushed  towards  Limerick,  the    point 
of  rendezvous  and  attraction,  and  the  theatre  of 
his  former  glory.     At  the   same  time  that  Ruth 
fell,  unfortunately  fell  an  Irish  priest  of  the  name 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stafford,  and  his  death  dispirited 
the  Irish  army.  The  Reverend  gentleman  remained 
with  his  countrymen,  animating  them  in  the  hour  of 
extremity,  and  affording  them  spiritual  consolation 
in  their  dying  moments,  and  while  living,  his  admo- 
nition and  encouragement  were  equivalent  to  an 
army.     They  all  seemed  inconsolable  at  the  death 
of  the  Reverend  gentleman    as    no   substitute  of 
encouragement  could  be  found   equal  to   himself. 
The  Duke  of  Tyrconnell,  once  an  ambassador  to 
France   to  procure  munitions   of  war,   and  other 
necessary    assistance    from   the   French    King,   to 
repel  the  rapacious  intrusion  of  the  Williamites, 
had  been  accused  by  some  of  the  rabble  in  the  Irish 
camp,  of  some  trivial  misdemeanor,  which  accusa- 
tion received  strength  and  countenance  from  St. 
Ruth,  left  the  camp,  mortified  and  disgusted  with 
some  of  his   countrymen,  and  with  St.  Ruth,  and 
with  him   also   left    eight    thousand    men,    which 
debilitated  its   strength,    and    much    discouraged 
those   who    immovably   remained    behind.      This 
is  an   illustration    of   the   gratitude    and   venera- 
tion his  countrymen  entertained  for  the  Duke,  for 
his  services  and  indefatigable  exertions  to  redeem 
his  country  and  countrymen,  from  the  grasp  of  the 
most  unscrupulous,  unrelenting,  hypocritical,  and 


37 

damnable  usurper,  that  ever  existed  or  disgraced  a 
throne.     Historical  truth  compels  me  to  acknow- 
ledge disunion  to  be  hereditary  in  all  Irish  trans- 
actions and  managements,  internal  dissensions  and 
disunion  among  themselves,  afforded  their  enemies 
an  opportunity  of  conquering  them.     I  will  relate 
another   circumstance  that   operated   against   the 
welfare  and  favourable  result  of  my  countrymen 
on  that  day,   and  contributed   strongly  to   their 
total  overthrow.     A  worthless  and  abandoned  mis- 
creant of  the  name  of  O'Donnell,  left  the  province 
of  Conought  with  eight  thousand  men  under  his 
command,  to  act  on  Ginckle's  rear,  whom  he  treach- 
erously detained  from  coming  to  action  ;  treachery 
and  the  want  of  patriotism  stimulated  the  wretched 
and  miserable  O'Donnell,  and  every  man   under 
his  command,  for  if  they  were  faithful  to  the  cause, 
when  they  discovered  his  treachery,  they  would 
immediately  dismiss  him,  and  appoint  another  that 
would  bring  them  to  action,  and  instead  of  doing 
so,  every  miserable  fellow  of  the  above  specified 
number,  under  the  command  of  their  contemptible 
commander,  assisted  the  Williamites  at  the  siege 
of  Sligo,  but  the   detestable  wretch  received  the 
reward  of  his  disloyalty  and  treachery,  from  his 
countrymen  who  cut  him  in  pieces  in  Flanders,  and 
at  the  same  time  in  the  service  of  King  William. 
As  an   offset  to  the  stigmatical    and   stupendous 
treachery  of  O'Donnell,  the  base  scoundrel,  I  will 
unravel  the  great  sacrifice   and   perseverance    of 
Anthony   0' Carrol,    a    gentleman    of    rank    and 
wealth,  and  a  native  of  Tipperary,  who  spent  with 
alacrity,  unbounded  zeal  and  patriotism,  his  time, 
fortune,  and  interest,   opposing  a   diabolical  and 
contaminated  host  of  English,  Dutch,  Danes  and 
Devils,  all  invulnerable  veterans.     He   could  with 
half  an   hour's  warning  bring  five  thousand  un- 
daunted men  to  his  assistance,  and  in  spite  of  all 
opposition,   he   kept   possession    of  the    castle   of 
Nenagh,  and   kept  the  enemy  at  bay,  until  his 
4 


38 

countrymen  were  defeated  at  the  battle  of  Augh- 
rim,  and  until  they  brought  their  heavy  cannon  to 
bear  on  the  castle,  to  dislodge  himself  and  five 
hundred  followers,  still,  in  spite  of  all  opposition 
he  with  his  friends  after  cutting  his  way  through 
that  formidable  enemy,  took  shelter  within  the 
walls  of  the  garrison  of  Limerick,  a  garrison  im- 
pregnable to  the  force  and  stratagem  of  the 
enemy.  O'Carroll  possessed  the  strength  of  a  lion, 
the  agility  of  a  deer,  and  the  heart  of  an  Irishman, 
so  that  he  or  such  men  were  not  responsible  for 
the  actions  of  such  a  contemptible  scoundrel  and 
deceiver  as  O'Donnell,  but  we  ought  to  forgive  him 
on  account  of  the  name — a  name  illustrious  in  Irish 
history.  To  return  to  Patrick  Sarsfield,  Earl  of 
Lucan.  After  taking  shelter  within  the  garrison  of 
Limerick,  he  with  a  body  of  cavalry  amounting 
to  four  thousand  men,  scoured  the  country  all 
round,  and  protected  the  inhabitants  from  the 
cruelty  and  vengeance  of  an  infuriated  and  fero- 
cious army.  Ginckle,  with  his  formidable  army 
and  a,  park  of  artillery,  had  been  encamped  before 
the  walls  of  Limerick,  pouring  shot  and  shell  into 
the  fort  during  sixty-seven  days — and  doubtless  the 
garrison  with  vigor  and  animation  returned  the 
compliment.  Provision  and  ammunition  were  get- 
ting scarce  within,  without  any  hopes  of  getting 
any  supply,  that  would  encourage  them  to  continue 
the  defence,  as  every  passage  and  avenue  were 
blocked  by  the  vigilance  of  the  adversary.  The 
Irish  made  an  inflexible  resolution  not  to  surrender 
an  inch,  but  with  their  lives.  King  William's  affairs 
in  the  low  country  had  been  much  embarrassed, 
being  fighting  against  the  combined  armies  of 
France  and  Spain.  This  difficulty  caused  Ginckle 
to  make  proposals  of  peace  to  the  garrison  on  any 
honorable  terms,  which  terms  he  proposed,  and 
after  some  consideration  were  accepted  by  the 
Irish.  The  stipulation  had  been  honourable  to  the 
Irish,  they  were  granted  the  privilege  they  then 


39 

demanded,  which  were  afterwards  dishonourably 
violated  by  the  English,  one  and  all,  without 
shame,  compunction,  or  hesitation.  When  peace 
had  been  concluded  between  the  Irish  generals  and 
the  Williamites,  the  Irish  generals  with  thousands 
of  their  countrymen  went  to  France  and  other 
countries,  and  entered  the  ranks  of  some  king  or 
potentate,  were  they  had  an  opportunity  of  dis- 
playing their  courage  and  animosity  in  the  hostile 
field  to  the  oppressors  of  their  native  country. 
When  King  William  died,  Anne  the  second  daughter 
of  King  James  by  his  first  wife,  the  daughter  of 
Chancellor  Hide,  afterwards  Earl  of  Clarendon, 
ascended  the  throne  of  England.  She  was  married 
to  George,  Prince  of  Denmark,  and  was  saturated 
with  spleen,  bigotry,  and  intolerance. 

The  Irish  chiefs,  then,  left  their  native  soil, 
Well  bent  and  worn  from  egregious  toil. 
Peace  at  last  tumultuous  strife  defied. 
And  all  hard  feelings  heretofore  had  died ; 
They  left  for  life  their  own  beloved  land. 
Its  spacious  harbors  and  its  golden  strand ; 
Where  full  and  plenty  crown'd  the  festive  board, 
With  all  could  nourish  a  fastidious  lord. 
Each  chief  had  left  his  patrimony  there. 
Without  protection  but  a  stranger's  care. 
Ah  !  Isle  of  saints,  now  sad  and  grievous  waste, 
Where  men  lived  sinless  and  the  women  chaste ; 
Where  weary  wanderers  could  repose  and  stay, 
'Till  guileless  mirth  would  steal  their  woes  away. 
Your  chiefs  then  fled  from  the  oppressor's  brand, 
Who  rules  there  yet  with  an  oppressive  hand. 
They  show'd  their  strength  in  each  successive  fray, 
And  Irish  valor  always  gain'd  the  day. 
Before  the  king  they  did  his  troops  destroy, 
*At  Lafelt,  Corona,  and  at  Fontenoy ; 

*  Charles  II.  who  commanded  personally  at  Fontenoy,  and 
who  had  victory  secured  to  himself,  till  the  Irish  by  their  valor 
turned  the  success  of  the  day  in  favor  of  the  French  army  by 


40 

Who  curs*d  the  laws,  and  all  for  sake  of  pelf, 

Exil'd  such  subjects  to  defeat  himself. 

When  kings  agreed  to  quell  the  furious  rage, 

And  peace  had  blessed  the  happy  sire  and  sage, 

All  feuds  and  broils  existing  heretofore. 

They  then  consider'd  to  revive  no  more, 

But  have  them  buried  in  a  silent  tomb, 

Or  plung'd  forever  in  oblivion's  womb — 

The  host  dismiss'd,  they  could  no  longer  stay. 

And  when  discharg'd  they  all  demanded  pay 

For  their  long  service  in  disastrous  wars, 

Some  lame,  some  useless,  and  some  full  of  scars  ; 

For  all  their  dues,  the  government  was  bound. 

But  where  could  that  enormous  sum  be  found  ? 

Ah  !  One  round  million  of  pure  sterling  due, 

Th^  king  pretended  he  was  puzzled,  too. 

As  he  had  none,  his  friends  would  not  dispurse, 

And  who  would  dare  the  heavy  bill  endorse ; 

The  knaves  assembled  round  the  monarch's  throne, 

And  much  astonished  how  the  sum  had  grown, 

And  then  consider'd,  how  to  liquidate 

The  monstrous  debt  that  had  involv'd  the  state. 

In  Pandemonium  council  they  had  sat. 

Each  bloated  budget,  heavy,  huge  and  fat. 

Digesting  laws,  disgracing  every  throne. 

But  Orange  Billy's,  which  was  not  his  own  ; 

That  godless  den,  without  compunction  met, 

Contriving  means  to  pay  the  awful  debt. 

To  add  to  all  their  sacrilegious  crimes. 

They  robb'd  the  Isle  they  robb'd  a  thousand  times. 

To  pay  that  million,  solid,  huge  and  round. 

No  other  measure  was  convenient  found. 

The  ungracious  king  had  died,  the  Irish  foe, 

Condemn'd  was  he,  and  sent  in  chains  below. 

Soon  Ann  was  called  to  fill  the  royal  chair, 

As  William  died  without  a  child  or  heir. 


breaking  through  the  British  lines,  destroying  many  and  dis- 
persing the  remainder.  The  Irish  brigade  had  been  aftfirwards 
an  expression  of  terror  to  their  enemies. 


41 

Approving  nobles  did  support  her  cause, 

And  thought  her  worthy  to  sustain  the  laws. 

While  on  that  throne  her  grandsire  lost  his  head, 

And  other  victims  in  profusion  bled, 

"Without  a  crime,  the  blood-stain'd  block  to  feed, 

As  monarchs  sanction'd  the  atrocious  deed; 

While  wicked  Harry  was  beheading  wives, 

Some  guiltless  thousands  had  resign'd  their  lives; 

And  Ann,  the  last  of  that  ill-fated  race, 

Was  voted  in  to  fill  a  Stuart's  place. 

The  godless  robbers  with  satanic  ire. 

Who  thron'd  the  daughter,  had  dethron'd  the  sire. 

1714.  As  soon  as  Ann  evaporated  her  last 
breath,  pursuant  to  acts  of  succession,  George  I., 
son  of  Earnest  Augustus,  first  Elector  of  Bruns- 
wick, had  been  appointed  for  the  crown,  and 
through  some  remote  affinity  to  the  Stuart  family, 
ascended  the  British  throne,  in  the  54th  year 
of  his  age.  Some  historians  say  he  was  illiterate, 
intemperate,  contemptible  and  avaricious,  while 
others  speak  of  him  in  opposite  terms.  This  ques- 
tion I  will  leave  to  the  decision  of  posterity. 

When  George  was  crown'd,  as  being  advanc'd  in  age, 

Some  dupes  imagin'd  he  had  been  a  sage ; 

If  he  were  such,  not  then,  a  single  ray 

Of  wit  or  learning  did  the  king  display  ; 

A  friend  he  was,  to  every  friend  he'd  see. 

And  that's  the  way  that  ev'ry  man  should  be. 

Yet,  every  Stuart  had  revers'd  that  law, 

Being  blind  to  friends,  still  ev'ry  foe  he  saw. 

Which  left  some  headless — some  surviv'd  by  chance, 

And  one  had  lived  a  pensioner  in  France ; 

A  man  oft  tried,  and  still  unerring  found, 

That  man  in  conscience  and  in  heart  is  sound. 

All  trivial  faults  be  sure  to  overlook. 

Or  be  you  ready  heavier  faults  to  book. 

George  must  be  contemptible  and  mean. 

Forgetting  duty  for  the  love  of  gain ; 
4* 


42 

He  ne'er  abolish'd  William's  hellish  code, 
Which  then  had  been  an  execrable  load  ; 
Betsy's  laws  were  wicked  Billy's  theme, 
And  George  kept  Billy's  in  the  same  esteem. 
So  ran  the  law  in  each  succeeding  age, 
And  getting  worse  with  each  ascending  sage. 
A  sage  he  was,  for  he  observ'd  the  game 
That  Betsy  played,  as  he  had  play'd  the  same ; 
The  law  progress'd  without  amendment — 'till 
The  royal  king  prepar'd  to  make  his  will. 
Where  are  those  kings,  I  pray  do  me  inform, 
And  that  base  bitch,*  who  was  a  bastard  born  ? 
Where  is  she  now,  would  she  come  forth  and  tell 
The  huge  dimensions  of  the  gates  of  hell  ? 

George  the  2nd  ascended  the  throne  in  1727, 
full  of  prejudice,  and  -^as  perhaps  one  of  the  most 
illiterate  Kings  that  ever  disgraced  the  English 
throne.  He  neither  possessed  natural  or  acquired 
abilities  or  embellishments,  that  would  grace  the 
dignity  of  a  King  or  edify  a  courtier.  He  showed 
no  inclination  to  mitigate  the  sufferings  of  his  Irish 
subjects  during  his  reign,  and  for  that  reason  I 
shall  not  try  to  separate  him  from  his  predecessors. 

The  king  enthron'd,  it  was  design,  not  chance, 

Which  made  him  quarrel  with  the  king  of  France  ; 

Some  ancient  spleen,  or  some  expect'd  gain, 

Had  made  him  quarrel  with  the  king  of  Spain  ; 

The  great  offence  of  searching  ships  at  sea, 

The  usual  act  of  British  tyranny. 

Which  Spain  resist'd  that  aggressive  course, 

With  a  tremendous  and  efficient  force, — 

On  Neptune's  plains  they  gain'd  superior  sway, 

When  oft  John  Bull  they  forc'd  to  run  away  ; 

That  fright  unusual  had  allay'd  his  rage. 

And  such  being  written  on  historic  page, 

Had  made  him  mad  or  verily  insane, 

As  not  consider'd  monarch  of  the  main  ; 

*  Elizabeth. 


43 

He  sued  for  peace,  which  was  his  humble  lot, 
And  all  dissensions  heretofore  forgot ; 
Let  us  now  trace  the  cause  of  his  defeat, 
And  I,  with  candour,  will  the  whole  relate. — 

From  Luther's  fall,  who  left  the  right'ous  way, 
And  leagu'd  with  Satan  he  became  his  prey  ; 
Or  impious  Harry  who  deserv'd  the  rope, 
By  self  creation  was  created  Pope, — 
Who  built  a  church  of  stubble  or  of  straw, 
And  fenc'd  it  round  with  an  outrageous  law. 
Ah  !  from  that  date  did  persecution  rage, 
Not  sparing  women  nor  declining  age. 
Till  Cromwell  died,  the  most  detested  brand 
Of  all  the  imps  in  his  Satanic  band. 
The  worst,  most  gloomy,  and  secluded  cell, 
Within  the  limits  of  tormenting  hell. 
Is  far  too  good  for  such  a  man  to  dwell. 
The  lapse  of  time  between  each  monster's*  sway, 
Would  stain,  defame,  and  stigmatize  a  dey,t 
That  would  contract  one  solitary  clause. 
So  fondly  cherish'd  in  the  British  laws. 
Vile  laws  enacted  to  destroy  a  race, 
Unless  relinquish  an  eternal  grace  ; 
To  that  they  held  in  spite  of  blocks  and  fines, 
Which  were  invented  by  the  new  divines ; 
They  went  abroad  before  an  inch  they'd  yield, 
To  face  their  foes  in  the  contested  field. 
At  Fontenoy,  the  king  and  all  his  host, 
From  Irish  allies  had  receiv'd  the  most; 
With  Irish  aid  the  British  had  to  fly. 
Without  their  aid  the  French  would  have  to  die. 

The  following  admirable  and  memorable  sketch 
is  given  by  the  celebrated  Samuel  Lover,  Esquire, 
of  the  Irish  brigade,  in  the  battle  of  Fontenoy, 
a  memorable  battle  fought  in  the  reign  of  Louis 
the  14th,  when  the  French  were  routed  in  every 
direction,  and  the  field  of  battle  covered  with  the 

*  Between  Harry  the  8th  and  Cromwell. 
%  Moorish  governor. 


44 

dying  and  the  dead,  Louis  addressed  his  general  as 
thus,  "  Can  any  thing  be  done  to  preserve  the 
honor  of  France  ?"  His  general  answered,  "  Yes, 
my  Liege,  there  is  a  gallant  intrepid  band,  the  Irish 
brigade,  upon  whom  all  my  hopes  rest."  Dillon 
said,  ''Marshal  Saxe,  let  the  whole  Irish  brigade 
charge ;  to  you  I  commit  its  conduct.  When  Dil- 
lon's regiment  leads  the  rest  will  follow,  the  cav- 
alry has  made  no  impression  yet :  let  the  Irish  bri- 
gade show  an  example."  "It  shall  be  done  Mar- 
shal," said  Dillon,  turning  his  horse,  "Victory," 
cried  Saxe,  or  "  death,"  cried  Dillon,  and  plunging 
his  rowels  into  his  horse's  side,  galloped  to  the  front 
of  his  lines,  where  the  brigade  stood  impatient  for 
the  order  to  advance.  Dillon  gave  the  talismanic 
word,  "  Remember  Limerick,"  and  heading  his 
brave  regiment,  down  swept  the  brigade,  and  shortly 
the  hitherto  unbroken  column  of  Cumberland  was 
crushed ;  the  very  earth  trembled  under  that  hor- 
rible rush  of  horse.  The  brave  Dillon  fell,  but  he 
lived  long  enough  to  know  that  the  glorious  charge 
of  the  Irish  brigade  had  won  the  day. 

George  the  3rd,  grand-son  of  George  the  2nd, 
ascended  the  throne  in  1760.  His  Majesty's  first 
care  was  to  assemble  his  Parliament,  and  settle  the 
annual  sum  of  X800,000  to  support  his  dignity,  for 
the  honor  of  the  crown,  and  to  meet  other  expenses 
pertaining  to  royalty.  His  abilities,  if  not  bril- 
liant, were  solid,  and  pre-eminently  superior  to 
those  of  some  of  his  predecessors.  He  was  a  hide- 
bound Episcopalian,  a  religious  bigot,  properly 
speaking,  full  of  duplicity  and  dissimulation,  not- 
withstanding he  was  the  best  monarch  of  all  the 
reformers.     He  had  a  long  and  prosperous  reign. 

The  king  enthron'd,  yet  did  not  interfere, 
But  left  his  subjects  in  the  fatal  snare  ; 
Some  hop'd  he  soon  w^ould  renovate  the  laws, 
Annul  each  odious  and  informal  clause 


I 


45 

In  that  vile  code  the  heavenly  hosts  despise, 
As  every  act  to  heaven  for  vengeance  cries  ; 
Yet  hope  drew  blanks,  and  no  amendment  still, 
For  direful  acts  had  been  the  sovereign's  will, 
Hunting  priests  had  been  a  favourite  play, 
When  caught,  men  sold  them,  and  received  their  pay. 
Among  that  pure,  anointed,  persecuted  class, 
In  gloomy  caverns  celebrated  mass, 
There  was  a  priest  that  all  deplore  his  fate, 
Who  fell  a  victim  to  invidious  hate, — 
A  gracious  God  will  amply  recompence 
The  vile  abettors  of  the  vile  offence, — 
Each  curs'd,  vindictive  and  ferocious  beast. 
Had  mark'd  for  vengeance  the  anointed  priest, 
Who  glean'd  the  church  from  that  obnoxious  weed. 
Which  grew  at  once,  and  which  was  call'd  a  creed ; 
The  craven  harpies  anxious  for  a  flood. 
To  drink  luxuriously  of  human  blood  ; 
Accus'd  the  priest  of  having  leagued  with  France, 
By  which  the  priest  could  have  no  other  chance 
To  save  himself  or  yet  elude  the  rope. 
But  bless  the  Queen  and  curse  the  reigning  Pope. 
He  then  prefer'd  an  ignominious  death, 
To  all  the  splendor  of  prodigious  wealth, — 
He  suffered  death  by  *her  unholy  laws. 
And  died  a  martyr  in  a  holy  cause. 
The  charge  preferred,  some  thousand  did  resort 
To  hear  the  sentence  of  the  wick'd  court  ; 
The  vultures  stood  with  eyes  revolving-spread. 
And  fiery  vengeance  from  their  sockets  fled, — 
There  trembling  stood,  impatient  for  the  feast, 
Each  greedy  monster  and  ferocious  beast. 
That  thought  to  banquet  on  the  pious  priest. 
Such  awful  swearing  ne'er  was  heard  before, 
And  each  refuted  what  the  other  swore, 
Which  brought  the  priest  in  spite  of  spleen  and  rage, 
Unsing'd,  uninjur'd,  from  the  lion's  cage. 
As  envy  will  its  victim  still  pursue. 
And  take  for  granted  ev'ry  thing  is  true. 
*  EUzabeth. 


46 

They  met,  determln'd  to  digest  once  more, 

A  crime  more  heinous  than  the  one  before. 

And  so  they  did  tremendous  to  relate. 

Which  brought  the  priest  to  an  untimely  fate. 

The  crime  was  thus,  as  he  before  was  tried, 

And  then  acquitted  as  each  witness  lied. 

The  usual  mode  of  giving  a  reward. 

To  catch  transgressors,  not  against  the  Lord, 

But  'gainst  a  church  so  mild  in  her  restraints, 

The  pride  of  devils  and  the  scorn  of  saints  ; 

Or  'gainst  a  throne  those  past  three  hundred  years. 

That's  wash'd  from  widows'  and  from  orphans'  tears, 

Three  hundred  pounds  of  all  rewards  the  least, 

There  had  been  offer'd  to  arrest  a  priest ; 

The  second  crime  was  a  tremendous  scheme, 

Such  none  but  demons  could  suggest  or  frame : 

A  man  well  known  had  disappear'd  from  home. 

And  for  that  purpose  had  been  brib'd  to  roam ; 

Ungracious  vultures  caus'd  the  news  to  spread, 

That  he  was  missing  and  that  Bridge  was  dead ; 

Dead  and  murder'd,  as  not  being  the  least. 

But  the  main  witness  to  condemn  the  priest, — 

They  swore  to  this,  denoting  date  and  time, 

That  he  committed  the  atrocious  crime. 

The  priest,  of  course,  was  apprehended  then, 

By  vile,  malicious,  and  ferocious  men. 

And  was  confin'd  within  a  loathsome  jail, 

Beyond  the  reach  of  any  future  bail. 

The  long-fac'd  imps,  like  inmates  of  some  cell, 

In  the  dark  regions  of  polluted  hell. 

Pushed  into  court,  and  rais'd  an  awful  cry. 

That  Bridge  was  dead,  and  that  the  priest  should 

die. 
Those  men,  well  known  to  be  a  great  disgrace 
To  honest  men  and  to  the  human  race. 
Still  after  all  their  oaths  did  heavy  weigh, 
And  in  that  court  they  swore  his  life  away. 
The  priest  was  hung  on  a  perfidious  clew. 
And  spite  and  vengeance  had  him  quarter'd  too. 


47 

Now,  reader,  pause  and  contemplate  awhile 
On  that  dire  vengeance  and  satanic  guile  ; 
And  know  him  clear  of  the  atrocious  deed. 
They  sung  with  joy;  they  afterwards  had  sung, 
That  Bridge  was  living  and  the  priest  was  hung. 
Now,  pause  again,  for  that  had  been  the  fact, 
And  weigh  with  horror  the  unright'ous  act ; 
As  Bridge  soon  after  from  the  dead  arose. 
To  cheer  his  friends  and  aggravate  his  foes. 

As  the  priest  had  been  acquitted  of  the  first 
accusation  brought  against  him  by  the  vilest  imps 
of  degraded  humanity,  the  children  of  satan,  and 
government  spies, — a  logical  definition  of  that  in- 
fernal combination, — they  met  soon  afterwards  to 
concoct  a  scheme  of  greater  magnitude,  and  of  a 
more  heinous  nature,  and  in  that  malicious  and 
wicked  design  they  were  successful.  There  was  a 
man  of  the  name  of  Bridge  living  in  the  same 
locality,  of  the  same  letter  and  of  the  same  dye, 
yet  his  character  was  not  altogether  as  notorious, 
or  stamped  with  the  same  ignominy  as  the  rest  of 
the  confederacy,  with  whom  he  stipulated  for  a  cer- 
tain sum  to  leave  the  country,  and  which  he  did, 
agreeably  to  stipulation. 

After  his  disappearance,  the  fiendish  faction  cir- 
culated that  Bridge  had  been  dead  and  murdered, 
by  a  fatal  conspiracy;  and  that  the  priest  partici- 
pated in  the  murder,  as  Bridge  had  been  the  main 
witness  in  the  first  accusation.  On  this,  the  priest 
had  been  again  tried,  found  guilty,  hung,  and 
quartered,  with  more  than  savage  barbarity.  The 
pious,  exemplary,  and  inoffensive  priest,  professing 
his  innocence  to  the  last  moment  of  his  existence. 
When  things  got  cool.  Bridge  came  to  life  again, 
and  made  his  appearance  among  the  living ;  still, 
no  preliminaries  were  offered  to  disturb  the  tran- 
quillity of  the  perjured  villains  who  hung  the  priest. 

Read  the  Star  of  the  Sea,  written  by  the  gifted 
Mrs.  Sadler,  of  New  York,  who  gives  a  fullexplana- 


48 

tlon  of  tbe  lamentable  and  melancholy  fate  of  the 
Rev.  Nicholas  Sheehey. 

Since  the  commencement  of  the  monarch's  reign 

He  took  no  care  to  mitigate  the  pain 

Of  suffering  subjects,  whose  oppressive  yoke, 

When  first  constructed  was  designed  to  choke ; 

Far  o'er  the  deep  a  mighty  *empire  rose, 

A  sure  retreat  for  those  oppressed  by  foes ; 

Where  giant  strength  and  unremitting  toil 

Had  cleared  the  forest  and  reclaimed  the  soil ; 

Yet  oft  affrighted  by  ferocious  foes,t 

They  made  it  blossom  like  the  blooming  rose ; 

When,  greedy  Britons  did  their  wealth  espy, 

Or  saw  it  with  an  avaricious  eye. 

They  framed  at  once  some  vile  attrocious  laws, 

And  claims  enormous  to  sustain  their  cause ; 

With  weighty  taxes  made  the  empire  groan, 

And  claimed  a  decimation  as  their  own  ; 

But  to  oppressors  they  disdained  to  yield. 

And  sought  resistance  in  the  hostile  field ; 

To  British  chains  they  would  prefer  to  die, 

They  met,  they  fought  them,  and  they  made  them 

Since  that  time  the  lion  seems  to  fawn. 
And  show  obedience  every  where  he  can ; 
He  seems  bereft  of  his  Herculean  might. 
And  shows  no  action  or  design  to  fight. 
Except  small  things  that  come  within  his  laws, 
He  grinds  to  powder  with  his  mighty  paws ; 
Nor  does  he  utter  his  prodigious  howl, 
But  now  and  then  the  brute's  inclined  to  growl  ; 
And  if  again  he  will  demand  a  share. 
The  King  of  birds  will  flap  him  to  his  lair. 
When  that  great  Empire  had  thrown  off  the  yoke. 
And  British  laws  had  been  reduced  to  smoke, 
All  nations  prayed  for  their  sweet  liberty, 
And  in  thanksgiving  held  a  jubilee  ; 

*  America.  f  Indians; 


49 

The  Irish  prayed  with  an  interior  joy, 

And  noble  hearts  without  the  least  alloy, 

Returned  thanks  for  England's  overthrow, 

Their  own  old  artful  and  invidious  foe. 

That  was  the  dawn  of  universal  hope  ; 

Since  wicked  Harry,  the  perverted  Pope, 

Divorced  his  wife,  and  left  the  christian  fold, 

And  holy  truth  and  revelation  sold ; 

Filled  up  his  trunks  and  his  exhausted  hives, 

"Without  lament  for  his  beheaded  wives. 

To  make  amends,  his  new  born  church  he  built, 

Which  added  much  to  his  anterior  guilt. 

Dear  Erin  then,  divested  of  her  fame, 

Was  only  known  by  her  hibernian  name  ; 

She  slumbered  long  in  a  lethargic  state, 

The  sport  and  scorn  of  an  unholy  hate. 

When  her  dark  embers  had  been  stirr'd  around, 

A  glorious  spark  was  unextinguished  found, 

And  by  a  process  gave  a  signal  blaze, 

On  which  the  tories  were  compelled  to  gaze  ; 

Four  *men  were  there,  in  that  ill  fated  Isle, 

Who  blew  their  trumpets  and  exposed  the  guile 

*  Four  men, — these  four  men  or  rather  comets,  that  had 
shown  with  so  much  brilliaDcy  in  the  horizon  of  obscurity  and 
interruption,  when  the  political  atmosphere  had  been  defiled  by 
political  intrigues ;  when  religious  animosity  perverted  and 
petrified  the  members  of  a  peculating  and  Godless  government ; 
when  the  Irish  parliament  had  been  crushed  and  controlled  by 
British  mamon  ;  when  the  most  daring  men  would  not  utter  a 
sentence,  or  a  sentiment,  though  polished  with  refinement, 
truth,  and  veracity,  to  show  forth  their  lamentable  condition ; 
then  did  these  men  vivify  and  electrify  their  countrymen  with 
hope,  and  reminded  them  by  historical  sketches  and  other 
investigations,  of  tbeir  ancesti'al  dignity,  of  their  firmness  and 
invincible  courage.  This  animated  the  mass,  and  made  them 
boldly  demand  of  the  British  government  a  relaxation  of  their 
tyrannical  operations  and  persecutions,  and  which  demand  was 
partially  granted.  From  that  date  their  condition  seems  to  be 
more  cheering,  and  I  am  confident,  though  not  prophetically 
inspired,  that  God  in  his  mercy  will  completely  free  my  native 
country  from  the  tyrannical  jurisdiction  of  that  atrocious,  un- 
feeling, and  Godless  government,  under  whose  lash  it  has  for 
centuries  groaned. 

The  names  of  those  four  men  are  as  follows  :  Dr.  Curry,  Mr. 
O'Conner,   Mr.   Wise,  and  Mr.  Keogh.     Curry  and   O'Conner 

5 


Of  that  foul  monster,  who'll  hereafter  rue, 
His  own  vile  acts,  and  peculation  too. 
That  was  the  dawn  of  heaven's  consoling  rays, 
Which  first  illumin'd  dark  unholy  days. 
What  gloomy  days  appear'd  since  Luther's  date. 
Who  swapp'd  the  gospel  for  his  darling  Kate, 
The  Lord  of  all,  and  for  salvation's  cause. 
Had  built  a  church  and  left  us  holy  laws  ; 
But  Luther  came  when  he  seduced  his  Kate, 
As  being  repugnant  to  his  marriage  state, 
The  first  dire  step  to  the  infernal  gate, 
And  built  a  church  which  threw  the  Lord's  aside, 
To  prop  himself  and  his  deluded  bride. 
Next  Harry  came,  with  his  long  pruning  knife, 
And  built  another  to  divorce  his  wife ; 
That  which  he  bas'd  upon  beheaded  whores. 
With  various  teachers  and  a  thousand  doors; 
Which  by  a  law  he  brought  to  consummation, 
0  !  gracious  God,  and  what  a  reformation  ! 
What  days  appeared  since  that  deceptive  man. 
Which  changed  his  creed  for  his  angelic  Ann ! 
A  poor,  vain  man,  without  the  aid  of  grace. 
Will  surely  tarnish  and  disgrace  his  place. 
And  yet,  his  fall  will  not  reflect  on  those 
Who  stand  erect  and  will  the  fiend  oppose. 
0  !  woman,  woman,  what  temptation  lies. 
In  your  sweet  prattle  and  bewitching  eyes, 
And  in  your  melting  and  half-stifled  cries ! 
Survey  the  monarch  with  a  due  regard, 
And  one  a  priest  anointed  by  the  Lord  ! 
Ah,  both  prov'd  rebels,  and  as  rebels  fell. 
And  steer'd  directly  to  the  gates  of  hell. 

were  historians,  Mr.  Wise  of  the  Norman  race,  hut  a  faithful 
Catholic,  had  been  a  strenuous  agitator,  and  Mr.  Keogh,  who 
indefatigably  travelled,  petitioned,  and  agitated,  arid  finally 
succeeded  in  obtaining  liberty  to  hear  mass,  read  law,  and 
receive  instructions  from  a  Catholic  teacher,  together  with 
other  privileges.  So  that  the  most  sublime  and  exalted  pane- 
gyric is  neither  too  superfluous  or  extravagant  to  be  devoted  to 
the  memory  of  such  men. 


51 

Heresy  rages  at  a  fearful  rate, 

Since  the  union  of  the  church  and  state. 

The  Church  of  God  will  triumph  in  the  cause, 

In  spite  of  Russel  and  the  British  laws. 

She'll  bind  that  dragon  or  infernal  foe 

That  was  unchain'd  three  hundred  years  ago. 

Almighty  God  has  been  the  special  bail, 

That  hell  cannot  against  the  Church  prevail. 

Tho'  shafts  at  her,  and  furious  darts  are  thrown, 

She  seems  to  prosper  and  to  guard  her  own. 

Soon  after  them  a  constellation  rose. 

That  sadly  frighten'd  the  unchristian  foes. 

The  craven  vultures  were  compell'd  to  gaze 

Upon  its  brilliant  constellated  blaze. 

The  Irish  bar  with  Grattan  as  a  head. 

Whose  towering  language  would  have  raised  the 

dead. 
Could  make  a  coward  signalize  himself, 
Or  make  a  miser  sacrifice  his  pelf. 
0  !  that  patriot  of  undying  fame, 
Unborn  patriots  will  revere  his  name. 
Next  comes  Flood,  whose  comprehensive  view 
Their  vice,  their  plans,  and  machinations  knew, 
And  who  oppos'd  them,  with  egregious  ire, 
With  Irish  feelings  and  a  stateman's  fire. 
He  had  assail'd  the  pandemonium  crew, 
Expos'd  their  secrets  and  corruption  too. 
Another  star  of  magnitude  had  then. 
The  craven  vultures  in  the  shape  of  men, 
Assail'd  with  lanoruage  of  uncommon  force, 
And  shew'd  most  clearly  their  unhallow'd  course. 
That  brilliant  comet  nothing  left  undone. 
The  brave,  courageous,  mighty  Yelverton. 
Another*  yet,  above  meridian  glow, 
Appear'd,  confronting  the  invidious  foe ; 
His  shining  merit  has  diffus'd  his  fame, 
And  future  ages  will  revere  his  name. 
In  that  great  cluster  that  was  seen  afar. 
Eloquent  Grattan,  was  the  leading  star ; 
*  Brugh. 


52 

America  then,  her  holy  freedom  won, 

By  the  assistance  of  the  sire  and  son. 

Their  Lords  and  Ladies,  had  to  cross  the  tide, 

As  Yankee  valor  batter'd  down  their  pride. 

They  sent  the  vultures  of  the  human  race 

To  seek  for  garbage  in  some  other  place ; 

And  our  strong  union  had  been  form'd  then 

By  wise,  prudential,  and  sagacious  men. 

0  !  may  that  union,  long  and  strong  remain 

Beyond  the  limits  of  the  tyrant's  chain  ; 

May  no  disunion  ever  mar  the  cause 

That  stop'd  the  vengeance  of  the  British  laws  ; 

May  peace  and  plenty  smile  upon  the  soil 

That  had  been  purchas'd  by  the  hero's  toil, 

Tho'  now  no  more,  but  crumbled  into  dust, 

Revere  his  mem'ry,  as  revere  you  must ; 

Preserve  the  boon  he  purchas'd  with  his  blood, 

And  the  assistance  of  Almighty  God ; 

Let  not  one  spark  of  angry  feelings  rise. 

Support  the  cause — there  all  the  honor  lies. 

Liberty  !  Liberty,  is  the  sacred  word 

Which  has  been  purchas'd  by  the  warrior's  sword; 

Think  and  remember  you  were  born  free. 

And  part  your  life  before  your  liberty. 

If  daring  monarchs  would  invade  our  soil, 

They  would  be  paid  for  their  audacious  toil ; 

Adopt'd  sons  would  watch  the  Eagle's  flight. 

Rush  into  battle  and  maintain  the  fight ; 

Dispute  the  ground  with  an  insid'ous  foe. 

And  stain  with  carnage  ev'ry  step  they'd  go. 

If  hostile  foes  would  our  allegiance  try, 

Ambition's  slaves  would  either  fall  or  fly  ; 

And  if  they  come  to  discomfit  our  laws, 

They'll  find  us  ready  to  uphold  the  cause. 

About  that  time  the  British  had  their  wars 

On  land  by  soldiers,  and  on  sea  by  tars. 

Then  France  and  Spain  combin'd,  had  chas'd  her* 

flag, 
Well  cool'd  her  courage  and  allay'd  her  brag, — 

*  England's. 


53 

To  a  low  murmur  her  tumultuous  boast, 

And  that  confin'd  to  all  the  English  coast, 

Had  been  reduc'd,  and  not  a  yard  she'd  steer, 

From  fate  impending  and  tremendous  fear ; 

The  sullen  brute  forgot  his  angry  roar, 

And  sought  his  lair,  and  then  began  to  snore. 

Oft  England  robb'd  my  native  isle  of  pelf 

That  contributes  to  defeat  herself. 

The  lion  hid  with  great  assiduous  care 

In  his  remote  and  unfrequented  lair. 

Tho'  France  and  Spain  were  his  egregious  foes. 

They  could  not  drag  him  to  decisive  blows. 

And  such  being  known,  they  plann'd  to  steer  their 

course, 
And  land  in  Ireland  with  a  mighty  force  ; 
The  Irish  then  to  full  perfection  grew, 
And  thought  resistance  to  a  foreign  crew 
Would  guard  the  State  against  exotic  force. 
Which  would  be  then  the  most  judicious  course  ; 
And  that  a  union  'mong  themselves  would  cause 
The  British  lion  to  impair  his  claws. 
They  all  agreed  with  one  decisive  stroke 
To  free  themselves  from  his  unholy  yoke. 
Then  such  being   framed,   and  was   the   people's 

choice. 
Had  not  been  marked  by  one  dissenting  voice. 
The  Irish  soon  accumulated  force. 
As  being  attach'd  to  their  adopted  course — 
Preparing  then  for  a  tremendous  deed. 
The  whole  declared  but  one  defensive  creed ; 
Old  feuds  were  buried,  no  dissensions  rose. 
And  nobler  feelings  fill'd  the  place  of  those — 
Then  all  was  friendship  in  the  first  degree. 
As  nothing  thought  of  but  of  liberty. 
By  slow  degrees,  and  gradual  steps  they  rose. 
To  gain  respect,  and  overawe  their  foes — 
As  being  determin'd  to  protect  the  coast. 
From  a  commencement  grew  the  mighty  host. 
The  lion  saw  it  with  an  evil  eye. 
Said  not  a  word,  and  knew  the  reason  why 
5* 


54 

They  wanted  arms  to  renew  their  fame, 
And  caused  the  Viceroy  to  supply  the  same. 
The  sons  of  Erin  soon  became  a  host 
Of  warlike  men,  without  a  shade  or  ghost ; 
Each  corps,  and  Colonel,  and  commanding  band 
Had  been  the  pride  of  that  ill-fated  land. 
Like  various  streams  from  various  sources  flow, 
At  first  unseen,  still  creeping  small  and  slow — 
Each  limpid  stream  pursues  its  feeble  course, 
Assumes  more  width,  and  moves  with  greater  force  ; 
All  meet,  and  then  with  a  tumultuous  roar 
They  make  a  river,  and  they  form  a  shore. 
Such  was  the  case  with  that  determin'd  host. 
Green  Erin's  pride,  and  her  triumphant  boast ; 
When  all  assembled  for  a  grand  review, 
With  courage  high,  with  arms  bright  and  new, 
Bent  and  determined  freedom  to  restore, — 
A  finer  army  ne'er  was  seen  before. 
They  were  inspected  with  egregious  care. 
And  all  seem'd  heroes  that  assembled  there. 
The  chief  applauded  their  superior  skill. 
Which  they  displayed  at  each  repeated  drill. 
The  artillery  made  a  most  imposing  show. 
And  were  commanded  by  the  high  and  low. 
Their  label'd  guns  declared  their  constitution, 
Which  was  "  free  trade,  or  speedy  revolution  ;" 
When  that   was   got  they  thought  the  strife  was 

o'er. 
Which  only  help'd  them  to  require  the  more. 
Parliament  met,  and  worthy  to  relate. 
The  house  contended  to  defend  the  State : 
Free  trade  conceded,  all  with  joyous  glee 
Suggested  them  to  have  the  country  free — 
That  they  themselves,  should  regulate  the  laws, 
And  frame  with  prudence,  each  unerring  clause — 
To  shield  themselves  from  an  invidious  foe 
Whose  hellish  schemes  had  been  their  overthrow. 
Their  Lords  and  Commons  with  unbound  sway. 
Brought  in  their  measures  which  inclined  that  way. 


55 

When  Leinster*  met  with  all  the  volunteers, 

They  gave  three  hearty  and  tremendous  cheers — 

Each  fill'd  his  glass  and  drank  a  friendly  toast, 

First  to  the  Duke,  and  then  to  all  the  host. 

After  they  all  had  drank  their  bumpers  round, 

And  wit  and  mirth  the  festive  board  had  crown'd, 

All  sat  then  on  a  convenient  seat 

To  hear  the  cause  that  brought  them  there  to  meet. 

The  Duke  arose,  their  venerable  head, 

Address'd  them  calmly,  and  as  thus  had  said — 

"  My  friends,  consider,  and  with  caution,  too, 

The  very  subject  that  we  have  in  view, 

And  he  from  it  will  deviate — I  vow 

Must  be  consider'd  as  his  country's  foe. 

Friends,  here  we  meet  to  circulate  our  fame. 

Or  live  companions  of  immortal  shame. 

Let  us  announce  the  course  we  mean  to  steer. 

Without  internal  or  external  fear. 

Doom'd  to  die,  but  not  as  craven  slaves. 

Some  future  heroes  will  adorn  our  graves." 

That  mighty  host  would  first  prefer  to  die, 

And  cried  aloud — "  We'll  neither  flinch  nor  fly." 

They  then  resolved  that  they  were  amply  fit 

To  frame  such  laws  as  would  not  agitate 

Their  present  prospects,  or  their  future  state  ; 

To  have  free  trade  for  that  ill-fated  land. 

Long,  long  oppress'd  by  an  oppressive  hand. 

Their  Lords  and  Commons  had  a  right,  they  said, 

Of  making  laws,  without  a  foreign  aid ; 

Erin  only  was  the  source  and  spring, 

And  with  the  sanction  of  their  gracious  King, 

Had  power  to  act,  or  legislate  at  all — 

As  other  measures  would  ensure  their  fall. 

The  King  from  this  a  sure  conclusion  drew, 

That  his  assistance  was  not  wanting  too. 

So  things  continued  in  their  usual  way. 

And  still  preparing  for  the  fatal  fray. 

As  force  to  force  was.  added  ev'ry  day. 

*  Duke  of  Leinster. 


A  grand  convention  contemplated  then 

By  wise,  prudential,  and  aspiring  men 

Had  been  suggested,  to  sustain  the  cause, 

That  would  exterminate  the  British  laws  ; 

And  would  with  vehemence  resist  the  crown, 

Was  to  assemble  in  Dungannon  town ; 

Two  hundred  men  were  then  empower'd  to  act, 

And,  at  discretion  to  report  the  fact — 

To  make  good  laws,  and  substitute  a  code, 

Would  be  no  burden  or  vexatious  load. 

Reject,  eject,  each  vile  obtrusive  clause 

That  was  inserted  in  the  British  laws  ; 

Such  once  established,  and  if  known  to  ply, 

Would  cause  the  lion  in  his  lair  to  die. 

Oh  !  then,  what  dreams  of  happiness  they  had, 

All  flushed  with  hope,  and  all  exceeding  glad. 

Parliament  met,  and  ev'ry  soul  was  ripe. 

To  glean  the  list  of  ev'ry  odious  stripe. 

And  blot  forever  each  perverted  clause 

That  was  embodied  in  the  British  laws. 

They  sat  to  hear  the  sage,  sagacious  men. 

When  Grattan  spoke  the  words  of  prudence  then, 

After  a  pause,  the  venerable  sage, 

Tho'  being  defeated  by  declining  age. 

Uprose,  and  spoke  his  sentiments  and  mind 

In  lucid  language  of  the  strongest  kind — 

Bold,  keen,  conclusive,  without  ire  or  rage, 

Then  spoke  in  wisdom,  the  historian  sage, 

Tho'  ne'er  deserted  by  a  statesman's  fire. 

He  then  well  managed  to  conceal  his  ire. 

His  course  was  clear,  and  clearer  still  was  made. 

When  it  came  forward  from  its  gloomy  shade. 

He  said  that  none, — which  was  a  serious  fact, — 

Had  then  a  right  to  legislate  or  act. 

For  Erin's  Isle,  or  Erin's  sons,  but  those 

Who  were  her  friends,  and  would  oppose  her  foes. 

And  that,  in  Ireland,  such  were  only  found. 

As  for  that  purpose  were  in  duty  bound ; 

No  foreign  lords,  should  give  or  should  exact, 

Or  make  for  Ireland  an  invidious  act. 


57 

But  her  OAvn  lords,  and  her  own  cannons  wotild 
Protect  her  freedom,  as  protect  they  should. 
When  he  named  freedom  in  his  grand  address, 
The  house  cried  out,  in  affirmation — "  jes." 
When  Grattan  sat  to  rest  his  tottering  frame, 
As  being  arous'd  by  an  internal  flame. 
Brave,  Brownlow  rose,  a  brave  unflinching  aid, 
And  still  approving  ev'rj  word  he  said. 
He  then  remarked,  and  with  emphatic  force. 
That  all  should  steer  and  navigate  that  course ; 
And,  thus,  alleged,  that  parliament  was  free, 
Which,  to  her  sons,  will  be  a  jubilee ; 
That  with  our  statesman  we  will  rise  or  fall, 
And  that  his  will,  should  be  the  will  of  all. 
Stentorian  lungs  had  shouted  with  applause, 
And  all  acknowledged  to  support  the  cause ; 
Freedom  sounded  thro'  the  spacious  hall. 
Had  brac'd  the  news  of  ev'ry  one  and  all. 
The  magic  sound,  so  pleasing  to  the  heart, 
In  spite  of  faction,  or  deceiving  art. 
On  wings  expanded  pass'd  the  gentle  sound, 
Diff'using  happiness  to  all  around. 
To  make  you  still  acquainted  with  its  fate, 
The  holy  sound  had  pass'd  the  outward  gate ; 
Then  hous'd  round  the  better  to  diff'use. 
The  cheering  tale  and  circulate  the  news ;       i 
From  rank,  to  rank,  the  joyful  news  had  spread, 
And  loud  rejoicing  would  awake  the  dead. 
At  last  with  pleasure  to  the  commons  flies. 
And  move  the  whole  till  thunder  rent  the  skies. 
Tho'  Gratten  made  a  most  successful  hit, 
Tho'  grand  his  talents,  and  tho'  great  his  wit. 
He  n'er  could  ring  from  a  remorseless  King, 
Or  the  supporters  of  a  fatal  spring, 
A  spark  of  freedom,  till  her  volunteers 
With  polish'd  bayonets  and  tremendous  cheers, 
Such  made  them  sanction  ev'ry  noble  clause. 
That  was  consistent  with  a  holy  cause ; 
Such  pretensions  made  the  trembling  few. 
Grant  them  their  freedom,  and,  revere  them  too. 


The  Irish  then  returned  from  the  toil, 

And  some  went  back  to  cultivate  the  soil; 

Each  display'd  his  individual  part, 

As  being  encourag'd  to  display  his  art. 

All  trades  have  blossom'd  with  amazing  sway, 

Tho'  long  declining  and  in  great  decay ; 

The  golden  days  were  fast  approaching  there, 

And  need  was  nourish'd,  with  an  ample  share, 

Ah  !  poverty  met  its  inevitable  doom, 

Within  each  friendly,  hospitable  home ; 

Where  often  strangers  by  misfortune  led, 

Had  found  a  refuge  and  an  easy  bed — 

Soon  as  admitted,  the  afflicted  guest. 

Had  been  admitted  to  enjoy  his  rest. 

The  more  misfortune  triumph'd  at  his  fall. 

The  more  attention  he  receiv'd  from  all — " 

All  his  troubles  being  remov'd  by  care^, 

As  he  was  nourish'd  whilst  remaining  there ; 

Such  was  the  case,  no  murdering  Russel  then. 

Could  kill  with  famine  such  devoted  men. 

That  godless  tyrant  of  a  godless  race, 

Who  slew  the  Abbots  and  possess'd  their  place ; 

That  impious  chief  who  is  accurs'd  by  all. 

Will  get,  a  sudden,  and  tremendous  fall. 

And  he  should  think  and  with  compunction  pause, 

On  his  attrocious  and  inhuman  laws. 

For  all  the  acts  of  his  unholy  life, 

Are  plainly  written  in  the  book  of  life. 

The  trembling  lord  who  could  no  pity  spare, 

Will  be  rewarded  for  his  feelings  there. 

As  Irishmen  are  noble,  true,  and  sound. 

And  never  can  they  otherwise  be  found. 

They  thought  they  would  to  cover  his"^  expense, 

Grant  him  a  sum  by  way  of  recompense  ; 

And  that  was  done  which  they  considered  due, 

Tho'  not  enough,  it  was  abundant  too, 

As  merit  should,  receive  a  rich  reward. 

Be  it  in  the  peasant  or  the  pompous  lord. 

*  Grattan's  expense. 


59 

Erin  then,  progressing,  and  progress'd, 
Her  trade  abundant  and  her  harvests  blest ; 
Refreshing  showers  fertilised  her  soil, 
And  yoemen  flourish'd  by  an  easy  toil. 
She  gem-like  stood,  conspicuous  to  be  seen, 
Of  all  the  islands  as  the  ocean's  queen. 
Until  her  union  with  a  wanton  belle. 
Then  doomed  dishonor'd  and  a  victim  fell. 
0  !  Pitt  was  then,  the  Nestor  of  the  realm, 
And  chief  commander  of  the  British  helm. 
AVho,  saw  at  once,  and  with  invid'ous  hate. 
The  growing  greatness  of  the  sister  state. 
He  thought  it  prudent  to  reverse  the  laws, 
Or  frame  some  other  to  support  his  cause. 
A  law,  he  thought,  which  would  create  a  storm. 
And  soon  produced  another  new  reform, 
Ingenious  Pitt,  who  had  a  lofty  call, 
Left  nought  undone  that  could  be  done  at  all. 
Who  never  took  a  superficial  view. 
As  by  the  present,  he  the  future  knew. 
Then,  thought  he  could  a  reformation  cause. 
Which,  still  was  adding  to  his  great  applause. 
In  Ireland  Flood,  of  universal  fame, 
A  match  for  Pitt  in  any  other  name, 
Whose  deep  extensive,  and  conclusive  thought 
Had  found  solution  for  the  problem  sought. 
He  launched  his  bark  among  the  rising  storm 
And  hail'd  with  pleasure  what  was  call'd  reform. 
The  volunteers  also,  had  a  rendezvous, 
All  loyal  men  and  all  reformers  too, 
As  being  successful  in  demands  before. 
Were  fully  bent  then  on  demanding  more. 
'Tis  oft  the  case  when  things  are  overwrought, 
Their  colour's  lost  and  ev'ry  thing  they  sought. 
In  that  grand  meeting  stood  conspicuous  then. 
Great  noble  Harvey,  and  the  best  of  men, 
A  better  friend  could  not  be  found  on  earth, 
Tho'  being  an  Englishmen  by  name  and  birth. 
Unmov'd  he  stood,  amidst  the  rising  storm, 
Oppos'd  with  vigour  each  fallacious  storm ; 


60 

Truth  made  liim  bold,  and  goodness  made  liim  kind, 
No  threats  could  dim  the  lustre  of  his  mind. 
Unflinching  stood,  and  to  the  very  last 
The  giant  oak  in  spite  of  ev'ry  blast — 
Assail'd  completion,  in  the  inward  core, 
And  told  afflictions  they  endur'd  before. 
Advis'd  a  union  of  the  strongest  kind. 
Or  else  their  policy  would  fall  behind. 
His  memory's  fresh  and  venerated  name 
In  Irish  hearts,  that  venerate  his  fame. 

Harvey,  a  Protestant  Bishop  of  Derry,  and  Earl 
of  Bristol,  an  Englishman  by  birth,  a  peer  of  the 
realm,  a  gentleman  whose  private  property  was 
very  extensive,  enjoying  the  rich  benefice  of  Derry, 
and  a  gentleman  of  profound  erudition.  In  early 
life  he  was  a  curate  of  a  parish  in  Wales,  but  gra- 
dually ascended,  by  the  strength  of  his  talents,  to 
the  most  exalted  summit  of  the  peerage,  with  all 
the  pomp  of  a  Wolsey.  Though  entirely  divested 
of  his  avaricious  desires  and  meanness,  Harvey 
fought  hard  and  manly  for  Ireland's  independence — 

A  greater  man,*  if  greater  then  could  be, 
In  Irish  hearts  who  holds  a  jubilee  ; 
Had  shone  conspicuous  in  that  rendezvous, 
A  Priest,  a  wit,  and  theologian,  too. 
Who  like  a  flood  resistless  in  its  rage, 
And  mark'd  with  terror  on  historic  page. 
Whose  headlong  fury  and  agregious  force — 
Spread  waste  and  terror  in  its  furious  course. 
He  swept  all  scribblers  with  superior  sway. 
And  left  them  groping  in  meridian  day. 
His  skill,  and  judgment,  and  poetic  fire. 
Awoke  the  muses  to  attune  their  lyre. 
Smooth  Pope,  or  Dryden,  could  perhaps  define 
That  noble  patriot,  or  that  great  divine  ; 
Who  in  that  meeting  had  acquir'd  applause, 
For  his  great  wisdom  to  sustain  the  cause. 

*  The  celebrated  and  Reverend  Father  O'Leary. 


Dr.  O'Leary  was  a  Roman  Catholic  priest,  and 
a  native  of  the  county  Cork,  who  professed  an 
extraordinary  share  of  wit  and  humor,  which  sig- 
nalized his  name  throughout  the  world,  and  as  a 
theologian  and  writer  he  had  but  few  equals,  and 
no  superior.  He  was  the  first  after  the  Reforma- 
tion who  had  the  courage  to  write  against  the 
heterodox  doctrine  of  Michael  Servetus,  reviewed 
by  Dr.  Blare,  in  the  city  of  Cork,  and  against  Dr. 
Woodward,  Protestant  Bishop  of  Cloyne,  who 
wrote  with  hatred  and  avidity  against  the  prima- 
tive  Church,  but  had  been  silenced  by  the  irresis- 
tible eloquence  of  Dr.  O'Leary.  The  Bishop  had 
the  courage  and  manliness  to  acknowledge  the 
superiority  of  his  diction,  and  the  truth  of  his  doc- 
trine. Mr.  Wesley,  also,  submitted  and  sunk 
beneath  the  stupendous  weight  of  his  forcible 
language  ;  and  acknowledged  him  to  be  an  incom- 
parable wit,  a  profound  scholar,  and  an  able  theolo- 
gian. The  Doctor's  writing  against  those  gentlemen 
had  been  void  of  acrimony,  tempered  with  modera- 
tion, seasoned  with  charity  and  full  of  clemency. 
For  many  years  he  resided  in  London,  officiating 
as  a  Catholic  clergyman,  highly  esteemed  by  all 
denominations,  and  dearly  beloved  and  venerated 
by  his  own  flock.  He  died  at  an  advanced  age  in 
the  year  1802,  and  was  buried  in  St.  Pencras' 
churchyard,  universally  lamented. 

Then  Pitt  express'd,  that,  let  what  would  betide, 
That  he  would  conquer  if  he  could  divide. 
This  was  his  shield  and  his  consoling  trap, 
Which  always  yielded  an  abundant  crop. 
Divide  and  conquer  is  their  favourite  creed. 
And  such  they  practis'd  in  the  time  of  need. 
Two  rivals  then  contended  for  the  chair. 
The  highest  honor  that  was  offered  there. 
The  worthy  Bishop  of  undying  fame, 
And  Flood  stood  foremost  to  advance  their  claim. 
6 


62 

On  the  other  side  to  counteract  the  pair, 

Charliamont  then  was  wishing  for  the  chair  ; 

And  had  succeeded  to  his  heart's  desire, 

As  being  assisted  by  a  Grattan's  fire. 

It  was  adjudged  that  Charliamont  was  chief, 

Which  prov'd  a  source  of  everlasting  grief. 

He  changed  his  mind  and  took  another  view, 

And  so  did  Flood,  and  was  corrupt'd  too. 

They  both  made  way  for  others  to  succeed, 

Who  mix'd  the  wheat  with  some  obnoxious  weed ; 

Just  as  the  serpent  crawling  to  deceive 

With  new  disclosures,  unsuspecting  Eve. 

A  guileful  foe  and  an  invidious  fiend 

Came  as  a  prudent  and  judicious  friend. 

But,  oh  !  too  late,  and  Eden  overcast, 

They  cried,  alas  !  our  paradise  is  lost. 

Eve's  transgression  by  a  common  fruit 

Brought  sin  and  death  without  the  least  dispute. 

The  vile  deceiver  and  deceitful  beast 

Knew  the  woes  of  the  forbidden  feast. 

Such  was  the  case,  a  fiend  did  them  divide. 

And  marr'd  their  laws  or  threw  them  all  aside. 

That  sad  misfortune  or  disastrous  blow, 

Which  had  been  given  by  a  secret  foe  ; 

A  foe  invested  with  infernal  pow'r, 

And  serpent-like  defil'd  the  sacred  bower ; 

Had  sown  disunion  in  their  social  ranks, 

With  vile  delusions  and  deceitful  pranks, 

Beceiv'd  for  it,  alas  !  respectful  thanks. 

Charliamont,  then,  through  either  pride  or  pelf, 

Had  been  corrupted,  like  the  wretch  himself. 

The  gap  was  made,  dissensions  had  been  ripe, 

And  then  commenc'd  the  agonizing  strife, 

Which  had  continu'd  to  excite  surprise. 

Till  English  treachery  had  seized  the  prize. 

As  Pitt  was  then  Prime  Minister  of  State, 

And  he  the  mint  of  ev'ry  dire  debate ; 

He  thought  from  such  he'd  realize  a  gain. 

Such  was  his  hope,  nor  did  he  hope  in  vain. 


63 

Expensive  wars  had  plung'd  the  crown  in  debt, 
And  there  she  lies  without  ascending  yet ; 
Nor  is  there  hope,  that,  e'er  she  will  restore 
A  single  cent  of  what  she  owed  before. 
To  this  great  maxim  Englishmen  adhere — 
The  more  she  owes,  the  less  she  has  to  fear. 
Pitt  sent  a  bill  into  the  House  to  say. 
That  he  would  wish  they'd  condescend  to  pay 
A  prudent  share  of  that  enormous  claim. 
And  that,  said  he,  will  circulate  your  fame. 
But  all  in  vain,  the  bill  was  thrown  aside, 
And  then  to  conquer  he  had  cried  divide. 
About  that  time  the  King  got  very  bad, 
And  symptoms  show'd  that  he  was  raging  mad. 
A  thing  that  did  his  royal  parents  try, 
And  in  succession  fated  them  to  die. 
Pitt  being  a  tory  of  the  brightest  stripe. 
The  head  and  foot,  the  leader  and  the  type 
Of  that  great  class  that  did  the  Whigs  oppose, 
And  who  in  politics  had  been  their  foes. 
Said  thus  a  regent  by  commission  will 
Best  suit  our  measures  while  the  King  is  ill, 
And  that  had  rais'd  some  very  stormy  gales. 
As  Whigs  had  voted  for  the  Prince  of  Wales. 
To  calm  the  strife  it  was  refer'd  from  thence. 
To  Irish  Peers  who  voted  for  the  Prince. 
Pitt,  for  that  act,  and  that  decisive  blow, 
Had  been  to  Ireland  an  agregious  foe. 

During  the  King's  insanity,  Chatham,  as  Prime 
Minister  of  State,  and  head  of  the  Tory  faction, 
thought  to  establish  a  regency  by  commission. 
But  that  scheme  met  with  the  unraingled  and  un- 
animous disapprobation  of  the  W^higs,  who  con- 
sidered the  Prince  the  fit  personage  for  that  august 
distinction  during  the  King's  insanity  or  disability  ; 
and  to  decide  the  controversy  the  question  had 
been  referred  to  the  Irish  Parliament  for  a  decision, 
and  without  much  hesitation  that  body  decided  the 
matter  in  favor  of  the  Prince.  For  that  unexpected 
defeat  Pitt  could  never  forgive  the  Irish. 


64 

Now  I  come  to  that  tremendous  time, 

Describ'd  in  prose  and  otherwise  in  rhyme  ; 

When  blood  stain'd  fiends  of  every  grade  and  hue 

With  rage  and  vengeance  did  their  hands  imbrue. 

In  Christian  blood,  without  a  fit  or  faint, 

For  the  destruction  of  each  priest  and  saint 

That  did  adore  the  meek  Redeemer  here, 

And  taught  his  gospel  with  a  holy  care. 

They  hung  and  butcher'd  with  satanic  spleen, 

The  pious,  humble,  and  anoint'd  men. 

The  imps  of  hell  were  not  arous'd  by  chance, 

When  they  immur'd  the  noble  King  of  France,* 

And  his  great  queen,  who  had  in  goal  to  lie, 

'Till  both  together  were  condemn'd  to  die. 

The  awful  scene  of  inundating  flood. 

That  then  appear'd  and  all  of  christian  blood. 

Would  shock  the  man  who'd  take  no  active  part, 

Congeal  his  blood  and  discomfit  his  heart. 

Such  by  infidels  had  been  brought  about, 

Under  the  cloak  of  liberty  no  doubt. 

Charlemont  then,  to  figure  with  the  rest. 

Had  something  brooding  in  his  anxious  breast, 

Had  form'd  a  club  that  was  entirely  Whig, 

As  each  could  motion  to  his  favourite  jig. 

But  that  he  found  to  be  a  serious  loss, 

When  he  excluded  members  of  the  cross. 

From  that  unholy  and  unwholesome  den, 

Where  imps  attended  in  the  shape  of  men. 

A  club  dishonor'd,  and  their  felon  rag, 

Had  disappear'd  before  the  Union  flag. 

Which  was  display'd  and  floated  high  in  air. 

Green  as  a  leek,  and  never  in  despair, 

And  that  continu'd  beauteous,  bright  and  green, 

'Till  the  Whig  flag  could  be  no  longer  seen. 

For  that  exclusion  Grattan  was  to  blame. 

Ah  !  that  exclusion  cancel'd  half  his  fame. 

For  not  resisting  such  a  base  attempt, 

Which  gain'd  them  nothing  but  a  great  contempt. 

*  Louis  XVl. 


65 

About  that  time,  a  brilliant  star  arose, 
The  hope  of  all,  to  discomfit  their  foes  ; 
Its  pure,  refulgent  and  amazing  blaze, 
Outshone  the  lustre  of  meridian  rays ; 
A  star,  the  brightest  that  appear'd  as  yet, 
By  laws  inhuman,  was  compelled  to  set ; 
A  star,  that  had  with  so  much  splendor  shone, 
'Now  bears  the  name  of  the  immortal  Tone. 
That  murderous  law,  without  a  clue  to  save, 
Consign'd  that  star  to  an  untimely  grave. 
0  !  gracious  God,  who  knows  the  time  and  date, 
When  men  do  err  and  act  the  reprobate. 
Stretch  forth  thy  hand  against  that  direful  race, 
Or  change  their  hearts  with  thy  celestial  grace. 
A  gov'rnment  steel'd  by  ev'ry  vicious  crime, 
Untouch'd  by  prose,  and  yet  unknown  to  rhyme, 
That  find  relief  from  each  ungracious  act. 
Which  they  deem  worthy  and  a  solemn  fact, 
Who  find  contentment  in  the  widow's  moan, 
And  feel  diverted  at  the  fate  of  Tone, 
Stretch  forth  thy  hand,  and  mend  their  wick'd  ways, 
0  !  hear  and  sanction  my  poetic  lays  ; 
Altho'  with  patience  God  had  seen  the  past, 
It  is  quite  certain  he'll  revenge  at  last. 
Tone,  advis'd  a  union  among  all, 
And  with  that  union  he  would  rise  or  fall ; 
Resist  each  fiendish  and  oppressive  clause. 
That  was  embodied  in  the  British  laws. 
The  vilest,  direst,  most  unchristian  foe, 
There  was,  or  is,  or  will  be  chain'd  below. 
Or  has  existed  with  unbridled  sway, 
To  sanction  ill  would  not  that  law  obey. 
Atrocious  law,  that  would  reflect  disgrace, 
If  it  were  practis'd  on  the  heathen  race. 
"  Resist,"  said  he,  "  and  now  united  be. 
And  God  and  men  will  vouch  your  liberty." 
Such  words  as  these,  inflam'd  the  minds  of  men, 
Against  that  odious  and  unholy  den 
Of  bloated  lords,  quite  anxious  to  devour 
The  scanty  living  of  the  wretched  poor. 
6* 


6G 

0  !  in  their  fall  how  many  would  exult, 
And  bless  the  hand  that  caus'd  the  same  result ! 
Among  them  stood,  much  like  a  towr'ing  oak, 
And  proudly  stood,  and  with  discretion  spoke, 
Great  McNcven,  patriot,  statesman,  sage, 
Who  spoke  his  words  between  a  calm  and  rage, 
To  those  of  age,  in  manhood,  and  in  youth. 
That  seem'd  elated  by  the  words  of  truth, 
To  rise  at  once,  encourage  and  enlist, 
As  nothing  else  can  dissipate  the  mist. 
That  hovers  over  this  ill-fated  land, 
Since  first  disabled  by  the  tyrant's  hand. 
"Arise,"  said  he,  "it  is  no  more  than  right, 
That  every  man  should  for  his  freedom  fight. 
If  we  will  fall,  we'll  fall  my  friends  with  fame, 
And  if  we'll  rise,  we  will  acquire  the  same." 
As  a  convention  then  in  Taylor's  hall,* 
Had  been  consider'd  as  the  head  of  all, 

*  Taylor's  Hall,  Dublin.  In  that  Convention  were  men  of 
consummate  and  irreproachable  character  and  integrity,  among 
whom  -were  the  following :  Lords  Kinmere,  Fingal,  Trembleston, 
Germanston. 

The  delegation  sent  by  the  Catholic  Convention  held  in  Tay« 
lor's  Hall,  to  his  majesty  George  the  Third,  consisted  of  the 
following   gentlemen :    Edward   O'Byrne,  John   Keogh,  James 

Edwards, Devereux,  Christopher  Bellow,  and  Sir  Thomas 

French,  accompanied  by  the  ever  memorable  Wolf  Tone  and 
Major  Edward  Sweetman,  as  secretaries  to  the  delegation. 
Tone  and  Sweetman,  were  consistent  Protestants,  and  would  to 
God,  that  all  Irishmen  possessed  the  same  feeling,  determination, 
and  unshaken  resolution,  that  they  did,  and  Ireland  had  been 
long  since  redeemed  from  the  cruel  and  tyrannical  grasp  of 
unjust,  peculating,  and  ruthless  invaders,  that  held  it  then,  as 
now,  in  lamentable  subjection.  The  delegation  had  been  intro- 
duced by  the  intrepid  and  incomparable  Edmond  Burk,  the 
statesman  and  metaphysician,  on  whose  magical  tongue,  hung 
thunder  and  lightning,  and  the  introduction  of  such  an  extra- 
ordinary man  had  the  desired  eifect.  The  men  who  composed 
the  delegation  were  of  the  highest  order, — men  of  profound 
erudition,  courteous  manners  and  of  lofty  and  insinuating 
address.  His  majesty  received  them  with  marked  veneration, 
and  promised  to  remove  far  from  them,  such  aggressions  and 
disabilities  as  seemed  repugnant  to  his  majesty's  Catholic 
subjects,  and  sent  a  message  to  that  effect  to  the  Irish  parlia- 
ment ;  but  that  body  did  not  comply  with  his  instructions,  and 
the  message  remained  unheeded  until  the  fiend  Fitzgibbons, 


67 

Where  laws  were  measur'd  with  judicious  care, 
In  spite  of  struggle  or  rebellion  there, 
With  patience  waited  for  a  better  hour, 
To  face  the  foe  with  a  resistless  pow'r. 
Tho'  men  of  genius,  splendor,  wealth  and  fame, 
AYere  at  the  bottom  to  secure  the  game. 
They  halted  still,  in  hopes  a  better  day. 
Would  soon  appear  to  consecrate  their  sway. 
And  then  concluded  to  send  worthy  Tone, 
With  a  remonstrance  to  the  British  throne. 
And  as  secretaries,  he  and  Sweetman  went. 
As  better  men  could  never  have  been  sent; 
Protestants  pure,  which  they  did  not  deny, 
Still,  for  the  cause,  the  heroic  Tone  did  die. 
He  died  for  Ireland  in  the  bloom  of  life, 
And  then  lamenting  the  unequal  strife. 
May  God,  who  sits  upon  his  heavenly  throne, 
Grant  life  eternal,  to  immortal  Tone. 
The  King  receiv'd  them  with  a  courteous  air. 
And  promis'd  freely  every  thing  was  fair. 
That  all  aggressors  he'd  remove  from  hence, 
Which  did  annoy  them  or  create  offence. 
Against  themselves,  or  each  respectiv^e  creed. 
And  that,  said  he,  I  think  is  all  you  need. 
Such  assurance  from  their  gracious  sire. 
Was  all  they  wish'd,  or  all  they  could  desire. 
When  they  objected  to  concede  at  all 
To  no  concessions  in  the  house  or  hall. 
These  valiant  men  then  wish'd  the  cause  to  try. 
And  gain  their  cause  or  for  the  cause  to  die. 
All  sects  and  parties  had  concerted  then. 
To  act  with  spirit  and  as  Irishmen — 
Forget  all  feuds  that  hitherto  were  rife, 
And  love  each  other  as  each  loved  his  wife. 
Then  all  avow'd  they  would  profess  no  creed. 
But  one  in  common  to  effect  the  deed. 


brought  in  his  convention  act,  which  hindered  the  future  expos- 
tulation of  Irish  Catholics,  for  a  relaxation  of  their  grievances, 
or  a  removal  of  their  disabilities  for  a  time. 


68 

Join  heart  and  hand  to  undermine  a  throne, 
From  dire  oppression  had  enormous  grown. 
Catholic,  Protestant,  Presbyterian — all 
Had  then  consented  at  a  moment's  call 
To  free  themselves  or  in  the  struggle  fall. 
The  crafty  foe  devoid  of  christian  love 
And  disobedient  to  the  God  above — 
Had  been  alarm'd  at  the  great  display 
Of  loyal  men  to  vindicate  their  sway, 
And  their  redemption  from  the  royal  yoke, 
"With  one  decisive  and  avenging  stroke. 
He  then  as  usual  opened  wide  his  net 
To  hang  all  rebels  that  in  it  would  get ; 
But  being  confronted  in  the  holy  cause 
By  men  of  honor  and  of  great  applause. 
Whom  I  will  name,  and  of  the  common  creed, 
And  all  were  worthy  gentlemen  indeed. 

The  following  gentlemen  formed  a  combination 
for  the  redemption  of  Ireland  at  that  time — men  of 
wealth,  fortune,  and  erudition,  and  some  of  them 
had  been  thoroughly  acquainted  with  military  disci- 
pline. Hamilton,  Kervan,  Dr.  William  Drinen, 
the  Honorable  Simon  Butler,  James  Napertandy, 
Hutten,  Tone,  and  Russell,  and  many  others  un- 
mentioned. 

Some  were  taken  from  their  homes  and  wives, 

And  some  absconded  to  preserve  their  lives. 

In  France,  some  symptoms  had  appear'd  that  year. 

That  fill'd  John  Bull  with  some  ususual  fear. 

The  Irish  always  breathe  a  purer  air. 

When  things  appear  to  be  fomenting  there. 

Westmoreland  then  had  granted  all  their  claims, 

Which  quell'd  the  lustre  of  the  rising  flames  ; 

To  which  all  men  acquiesced,  but  a  small 

Unholy  fry  would  not  consent  at  all. 

To  give  concessions  to  the  Irish  then. 

And  such,  my  friends,  were  pious  Orangemen, 

Who  swore  resistance  to  their  knees  in  blood 

'Gainst  all  concessions  tending  to  do  good 


69 

To  Irishmen  of  a  peculiar  creed, 

For  which  our  fathers  were  compell'd  to  bleed. 

It  has  existed  eighteen  hundred  years, 

In  spite  of  shafts  and  angry  pointed  spears, 

Were  thrown  at  her  with  a  malicious  eye, 

Tho'  well  they  know  that  creed  can  never  die. 

The  promise  made,  we  have  a  right  to  heed. 

That  hell  itself  cannot  efface  that  creed. 

Altho'  concessions  at  that  time  were  given. 
By  erring  men  who  were  oppos'd  to  heaven; 
Tho'  small  they  were,  and  with  reluctance — still 
They  had  encourag'd  every  man  to  till 
The  spot  he  held,  and  as  a  longer  lease 
Had  then  been  granted  to  improve  the  place. 
At  length  the  harpies,  deaf  enough  to  truth, 
Allowd'd  them  schools  to  educate  their  youth. 
And  more  than  all  it  further  came  to  pass, 
That  all  were  then  allow'd  to  go  to  mass. 
No  such  concessions  would  be  granted  then, 
But  France  being  full  of  all  rebellious  men ; 
And  soon,  or  late,  she  will  revenge  her  spleen 
On  lordly  England  to  relieve  the  green. 
The  Lord  may  grant,  she  may  subdue  the  foe, 
The  cause  of  famine,  pestilence  and  woe — 
The  northern  star,*  a  sheet  of  great  renown, 
Assail'd  with  vehemence  the  British  crown, 
And  well  depicted  the  unwholesome  laws. 
Which  had  been  sanctioned  by  the  British  flaws. 
Malicious,  cruel,  inconsistent,  foul. 
That  kill'd  the  body  and  defil'd  the  soul ; 
For  this  exposure  all  were  sent  to  jail. 
But  soon  relinquish'd  on  a  weighty  bail ; 
The  bond  of  union  faithfull  to  its  call. 
Which  made  one  creed  the  common  creed  of  all. 
Had  taught  this  blessing  with  its  holy  breath, 
Which  gave  to  fueds  the  withering  stroke  of  death. 

*  The  Northern  Star  had  been  a  literary  sheet,  owned  by  sev- 
enteen liberal,  consistent  and  responsible  Protestants  in  Bel- 
fast, who,  after  being  taken  prisoners,  were  immediately  bailed 
by  seventeen  Catholics.  This  clearly  shows  the  union  of  the 
parties. 


70 

With  EngHsli  critics  truth  became  a  lie, 
And  said,  the  owners  had  a  right  to  die. 
Therefore,  the  truth  converted  in  its  prime 
By  dangerous  men  becomes  a  dangerous  crime, 
Bj  men  with  pleasure  who  could  antitate. 
The  doom  of  virtue  in  the  book  of  fate. 
Without  a  check  to  modify  the  cause, 
Or  blunt  the  vengeance  of  the  British  laws. 
The  Erench  that  year  to  gain  their  liberty, 
Compelled  the  king  by  a  severe  decree. 
To  lose  his  head  without  the  least  defence, 
And  being  a  king,  which  was  his  chief  offence. 
The  fractious  French,  unsettled  in  their  state, 
Confin'd  their  king  and  then  defin'd  his  fate  ; 
To  gain  their  ends  poor  Louis  lost  his  life, 
Still,  left  unsettled  the  disastrous  strife. 
The  English  still,  who  hated  freedom's  shade, 
Some  great  intrusions  on  the  people  made. 
And  war,  the  offspring  of  ambitious  views, 
'Gainst   France  declar'd,  which   France  did   not 

refuse. 
Two  daring  foes  that  fought  from  age  to  age, 
Attack'd  each  other  with  amazing  rage. 
When  thus  engag'd  the  policy  of  Pitt, 
Impregnably  fixed,  and  always  fixed  to  fit. 
Gave  some  concessions  in  the  hour  of  strife. 
Whilst  war  was  raging  and  commotion  rife. 
When  war  expir'd  he  soon  forgot  the  whole. 
And  show'd  a  gizzard  for  the  want  of  soul. 
Then  acts  he  made  to  counteract  the  past, 
For  good  concessions  were  not  made  to  last. 
Which  had  decreed,  that  on  a  certain  day 
All  men  should  meet  without  the  least  delay. 
Give  up  their  arms  to  some  British  slave, 
Or  to  a  squire,  or  some  notorious  knave ; 
You  must  comply,  which  was  considered  best, 
Or  else  the  law  will  regulate  the  rest. 
No  kind  of  meeting  was  allowed  to  be, 
As  such  was  tending  to  democracy. 


71 

And  other  strictures  too  severe  to  tell, 

Had  been  suggested  by  the  heirs  of  hell. 

Two  Irishmen,*  quite  sanguine  in  the  cause, 

Condemned  their  horrid  and  atrocious  laws. 

Declar'd  the  British  had  no  right  to  pry, 

Or  watch  their  actions  with  an  evil  eye. 

For  this  objection,  which  did  not  avail, 

Both  were  committed  to  a  felon's  jail, 

Tho*  being  confined  they  felt  relieved  of  sin, 

For  acting  honest,  conscientious  men. 

United  Irishmen  had  paid  their  fine, 

An  act  but  just,  and  in  itself  divine. 

Brave  Doctor  Renolds  sufi"ered  for  the  cause, 

As  he  with  vengeance  had  denounced  their  laws ; 

For  five  long  months  incarcerated — he 

Reproved  his  foes  and  their  fell  tyranny  ; 

But  still  unmoved,  did  all  his  foes  remain, 

And  seemed  rejoiced  at  their  unholy  stain ; 

Conscience  suffered  no  internal  check, 

As  crimes  to  them  had  been  a  venial  speck. 

We  come  again  to  the  immortal  Pitt 

"Who  studied  vengeance  more  than  holy  writ; 

The  Orange  faction  he  inspired  with  hope, 

And  still  pretended  to  revere  the  Pope. 

That  beauteous  Isle  with  human  blood  he  drenched, 

And  lit  a  blaze  that  never  can  be  quenched. 

Give  bread  to  all,  had  been  his  only  cry, 

And  yet  the  starving  he  allowed  to  die. 

United  men  were  still  increasing  fast, 

'Till  deep  laid  treachery  prevailed  at  last. 

Fitzgibbons  then,  the  vilest  imp  in  Clare, 

With  Beresford,  Camden,  an  unholy  pair. 

Conspired  together  to  resist  their  course. 

And  stop  their  progress  with  a  strenuous  force ; 

But  freedom  cherished  in  the  heart  an  hour, 

Will  there  remain  in  spite  of  pride  and  power, 

For  freedom  blossom'd  is  the  fairest  flower. 

Government  then,  defective  on  its  part, 

With  the  advantage  of  insidious  art, 

*  The  honorable  Simon  Butler,  and  Hamilton  Rowen,  Esq. 


72 

Had  framed  a  scheme  to  send  out  secret  spies, 

And  all  the  villains  who  were  prone  to  lies, 

Would  hang  and  torture  all  convicted  men. 

Without  attrition  for  that  grievous  sin, 

Like  wolves  that  hunger  makes  devoid  of  fear, 

That  range  the  forest  when  in  quest  of  deer ; 

Or  like  wild  vultures  when  in  search  of  game. 

They  pounced  with  malice  on  a  man  of  fame  ; 

With  pointed  talons,  they  their  victim  bore, 

And  swore  to  things  they  never  saw  before. 

The  imps  were  up  to  every  wicked  plan. 

And  did  their  best  to  criminate  the  man ; 

On  mischief  bent,  and  desperation  too. 

The  wayward,  wicked,  swindling,  swearing  crew. 

Had  seized  a  man  of  venerable  fame. 

That  rank  and  fortune  had  enthroned  his  name  ; 

Who  was  convicted  and  confined  in  jail. 

Beyond  redemption  by  the  strongest  bail. 

Yet  he  escaped  by  an  amazing  chance, 

And  had  been  carried  by  his  friends  to  France. 

How  he  escaped  from  his  unfeeling  foes. 

It  is  as  thus,  and  thus  the  story  goes : 

When  once  confined  that  nobleman  had  been 

By  cruel,  heartless,  and  designing  men. 

His  steward  came  in  great  dispair  and  gloom. 

And  asked  admittance  to  his  master's  room  ; 

He  said,  he  would,  without  the  least  delay. 

Return  soon,  and  measure  back  his  way  ; 

Permission  gained,  he  soon  exchanged  his  clothes, 

With  Rowan  in  jail,  unknown  to  all  his  foes. 

Who  soon  appeared  and  hurried  in  his  peace. 

And  left  his  steward  to  enjoy  his  place. 

Who  *laid  the  scheme,  and  framed  it  void  of  sin, 

Had  died,  the  light,  of  all  United  men. 

Soon  came  the  jailor,  with  exceeding  care. 

To  give  his  boarders  some  refreshing  air ; 

And  when  he  went  into  the  steward's  place, 

With  due  submission  and  exceeding  grace, 

*  TLomas  Aciis  Emmet. 


73 

He  said,  as  thus,  and  with  a  courteous  air, 
As,  I  your  honour,  very  much  revere. 
Sir,  thus  I  say,  and  give  myself  as  bail, 
I'll  be  your  friend  while  you  remain  in  jail, 
Don't  spare  my  toil,  I  will  to  you  adhere. 
As  gentlemen  fit,  but  ill,  our  station  here. 
The  steward  spoke,  but  a  tremend'ous  laugh 
Produc'd  a  violent  and  convulsive  cough. 
But  being  restor'd  he  then  as  thus,  did  say, 
I  thank  you  sir,  I  don't  intend  to  stay. 
Thro'  all  my  life  I  kept  within  the  law, 
And  by  permission  I  will  now  withdraw; 
A  guiltless  man  immur'd  for  any  time. 
Must  be  a  heinous — unforgiven  crime. 
Therefore  I'll  shift,  and  to  relate  the  truth, 
I'd  like  a  drop  to  hebetate  my  drouth. 
Blood  and  wounds,  the  gentlemen  is  fled, 
And  left  his  steward  to  enjoy  his  bed! 
The  jailor  cried,  ran  out,  and  lock'd  the  door. 
And  quite  forgot  to  ventilate  the  poor. 
0 !  Lord,  said  he,  to  me  a  sad  affair. 
That  he  escap'd  from  my  unerring  care. 
The  very  act  will  bring  me  to  disgrace. 
And  some  strange  hand  will  occupy  my  place, 
A  large  reward  was  never  known  to  fail. 
And,  will  bring  back  that  gentleman  to  jail. 
But,  if  again,  I  catch  him  in  my  net, 
He  must  be  strong,  if  out  of  it  he'll  get, 
Great  is  my  grief,  and  greater  still  will  be. 
When  that  vile  steward  gets  his  liberty. 
A  little  craft  that  in  the  harbor  lay, 
Or  on  the  bosom  of  the  beauteous  bay.* 
Had  then  been  charter'd  to  convey  at  once, 
Freedom's  champion  to  protective  France. 
Five  Irish  seamen  of  surpassing  skill. 
Who  knew  the  art  of  navigation  well. 
Had  been  engaged  to  consummate  the  task. 
And  got  whatever  they  inclined  to  ask. 

*  Dublin. 
7 


74 

It  was  to  them,  but  an  amusing  freak, 

Not  knowing  the  person,  whom  they  had  to  take. 

That  night  on  board  the  fugitive  had  crept, 

And  not  a  wink  the  gentleman  had  slept. 

And  there  remained  for  five  successive  days. 

Unknown,  unburnish'd  by  the  solar  rays. 

How  he  had  felt  in  that  tremendous  state. 

Sensation  tells,  what  tongue  cannot  relate. 

A  breeze  ahead,  and  not  inclin'd  to  change. 

The  tars  pronounc'd  and  thought  it  mighty  strange. 

While  thus  delay'd  a  sailor  went  a  shore — 

To  hear  some  news  which  he  heard  not  before. 

On  his  returning,  he  espied  a  card. 

Which  did  set  forth  a  terrible  reward. 

To  any  man  that  would  arrest,  it  said, 

The  cheat,  the  rogue,  and  fugitive  that  fled 

From  jail  unknown,  without  the  fear  of  God, 

And  left  his  steward  in  the  room  he  had.T 

They  well  describ'd  his  person  and  his  clothes. 

To  all  his  wicked  and  ferocious  foes. 

Then  seem'd,  indeed,  each  vile  intriguing  lark, 

Was  searching  him  and  he  within  the  ark. 

Unknown,  unseen,  uncomfortably, — there. 

Sometimes  in  hope,  and  sometimes  in  despair. 

When  Jack  on  board  the  tempting  card  had  read, 

The  true  exponent  of  the  man  that  fled. 

Amaz'd  he  knew,  by  adverse  gales  delay'd. 

The  man"*"  on  board  and  had  his  passage  paid. 

Jack  spoke,  and  said,  your  looks  to  me  reveal, 

You  are  the  man  who  ran  away  from  jail. 

Then  Rowan  spoke,  my  friends  and  countrymen, 

I  had  deserted  from  the  lion's  den, 

Patriots  suffer  from  oppressive  laws. 

But,  always  suffer  in  a  righteous  cause. 

My  country's  ruin'd,  for  which  I  fain  would  die, 

And  for  that  reason  I  am  forced  to  fly. 

And  leave  to  despots,  full  of  wrath  and  guile. 

That  heaven-like  gem,  my  native  emerald  Isle. 

*  Rowan. 


75 

Therefore,  come  back,  and  take  the  paltry  pelf, 

I  tried  my  best  to  liberate  myself. 

The  sailors  spoke,  with  all  the  reverence  due, 

To  rank  and  wealth  as  he  enjoy'd  the  two. 

Most  worthy  sir,  as  honor  is  at  stake, 

We'll  take  much  less  than  we  agreed  to  take. 

And  land  you  safe  beneath  the  southern  skies, 

Beyond  the  reach  of  all  official  spies — 

Our  country's  batter'd  by  the  stranger's  maul, 

And  we  would  perish  to  retrieve  her  fall. 

We  are  your  friends,  you  have  no  need  to  fear, 

And  Ireland  yet  will  hohl  your  memory  dear. 

The  wind  blows  fair,  the  lucky  change  we  hail. 

Let  fly  the  sheets  to  catch  the  rising  gale ; 

With  skill  they  steer'd  and  not  by  trial  or  chance. 

Until  they  landed  on  the  coast  of  France. 

An  Irishman,  I  acknowledge,  has  a  great  many 
faults,  and  manifest  ones  at  that.  Nevertheless, 
by  taking  into  consideration  the  dignity  of  his 
mind,  and  his  inflexible  integrity,  in  the  hour  of 
trial,  and  in  the  hour  of  extremity,  and  when  honor 
is  at  stake,  and  by  doing  him  ample  justice  you 
will  find  that  these  qualifications  will  preponderate 
all  his  other  faults  and  misfortunes.  We  had  various 
opportunities  of  recording  the  fidelity  of  Irishmen, 
but  this,  as  well  as  other  incidents,  goes  far  to 
establish  its  authenticity.  The  five  sailors  who 
commanded  the  little  craft  that  was  to  carry  Rowan 
to  France  beyond  the  reach,  of  his  heartless,  fero- 
cious, and  treacherous  pursuers,  were  Irishmen,  who 
had  agreed  to  take  him  for  <£100  to  France,  without 
being  acquainted  in  any  manner  whatsoever,  with 
the  circumstances  attending  his  escape.  These  men 
could  unquestionably  enrich  themselves  and  their 
families,  by  betraying  Rowan  into  the  hands  of  his 
enemies.  Still  honour  would  be  sacrificed  by  the 
commission  of  such  a  shameful  action,  and  honour 
they  thought  to  leave  to  their  children  and  to  pos- 
terity, untarnished,  unspotted,  and  pure,  and  which 


76 

they  did,  this  shows  that  honour  is  the  natural  in- 
heritance of  Irishmen,  and  no  man  on  earth  couhl 
have  a  better  comrade  or  companion,  in  the  hour 
of  extremity,  in  the  time  of  war,  or  in  the  time  of 
peace,  than  an  honest,  faithful,  generous  Irishman, 
or  no  man  would  be  further  from  deserting  his  friend 
in  time  of  sickness  and  danger. 

Another  man  had  figur'd  on  the  stage, 
In  that  sad  dismal  and  devouring  age. 
Was  Nappertandy  who  escap'd  to  France, 
By  some  contrivance,  or  some  lucky  chance ; 
Who  had  endeavour' d  to  retrieve  the  land, 
From  the  oppression  of  a  tyrant's  hand. 
A  land  once  bless'd,  by  a  creative  pow'r, 
Resembling  that,  perhaps,  of  Eden's  bow'r. 
But  got  accurs'd  by  an  ungodly  race. 
That  always  tried  to  brutalize  the  place. 
Since  Luther  fell  by  his  unholy  strife. 
Or  since  old  Harry  had  divorced  his  wife. 
The  tyrants  strove,  with  an  oppressive  hand, 
And  laws  unjust,  to  desolate  the  land — 
Who  had  shap'd  Tandy's  final  overthrow, 
Still  God  diverted  the  intended  blow. 
And  gave  the  chief  some  time  to  meditate, 
On  heinous  laws  they  strove  to  propagate. 
And  honest  Corbet  fled  from  all  his  foes, 
Attired  and  modest  in  a  woman's  clothes. 
Some  thousands  more  had  been  compell'd  to  fly, 
For,  if  arrested,  they  were  sure  to  die. 

The  brave  Nappertandy,  a  man  of  animation 
and  courage,  and  an  unflinching  patriot,  in  the 
year  1682,  challenged  Toler,  afterwards  the  ever 
memorable  hangman.  Lord  Norberry.  In  1798, 
Tandy  left  France  with  Humbert,  for  the  invasion 
of  Ireland,  and  being  prevented  by  a  tremendous 
gale  which  separated  his  ship  from  the  fleet,  and 
which  hindered  them  of  landing  in  that  ill-fated 
country.     Hearing  on  the  coast  of  Donegal  of  the 


77 

dispersion  of  the  entire  fleet  intended  for  the  inva- 
sion, he  sail'd  immediately  for  the  coast  of  Norway, 
with  an  intention  of  travelling  to  France,  when 
Tandy  and  some  of  his  companions  arrived  in 
Hamburg,  which  was  at  the  time  a  republic ;  he 
halted  to  refresh  himself,  as  he  considered  he  had 
been  beyond  the  reach  of  his  unscrupulous  and 
insatiable  enemies.  In  that  he  was  much  mistaken, 
and  he  soon  found  his  confidence  reversed,  for  he 
and  his  associate,  Corbet,  'at  the  requisition  of 
Lord  Granville,  the  British  minister,  at  that  time 
residing  in  Hamburg,  were  surrendered  and  sent 
by  that  plenipotentiary  to  Ireland,  where  they 
were  tried  and  convicted  of  high  treason,  and 
would  unquestionably  suiFer  the  penalty  of  the  law, 
were  it  not  for  the  intervention  of  Napoleon,  and 
his  assurance  to  the  British  Cabinet,  that  he  would 
retaliate  their  suffering  by  the  execution  of  some  of 
the  English  nobility  that  had  been  in  his  power  at 
the  time.  Such  had  been  the  cause  of  Tandy's 
liberation,  as  the  British  government  had  been 
aware  that  Napoleon  was  very  decisive  and  prompt, 
and  when  he  made  use  of  the  expression,  that  he 
would  have  carried  it  to  consummation  and  matu- 
rity at  all  hazards. 

The  French  had  sent  a  wise  and  Reverend  sage, 
Who  seem'd  devoted  to  the  sacred  page. 
To  tell  his  friends  to  strike  the  fatal  stroke, 
And  free  themselves  from  an  ignoble  yoke. 
The  Beverend  man  had  made  some  reverend  vows, 
That  he  would  then  his  country's  cause  espouse  ; 
Thro'  thick  and  thin,  in  sunshine  and  in  storm. 
To  free  the  oppress'd  he'd  raise  his  reverend  arm. 
Fulfilling  vows  he  wrought  to  quell  the  strife, 
And  the  attempt  had  ended  with  his  life. 
On  his  way  home,  to  his  own  native  place, 
To  free  the  captives  of  an  ancient  race, 
He  stop'd  at  London,  as  he  did  intend, 
To  tell  his  secrets  to  a  bosom  friend ; 
7* 


78 

That  fiend  the  tale  to  goverment  did  tell, 
For  which  in  chains  he  was  convey 'd  to  hell, 
Where  vicious  man  receives  his  due  reward, 
And  is  forsaken  by  his  gracious  Lord. 
The  man  was  made  of  only  clay  and  dust, 
Betray'd  his  friend  and  then  became  accurs'd. 
Ah,  Pitt,  sent  then  a  fascinating  friend. 
To  watch  the  movements  of  his  bosom  friend. 
As  he  designed,  when  he  had  sent  him  o'er. 
To  hang  the  men  who  had  escap'd  before. 
With  due  observance  he  collected — then. 
The  best,  most  zealous,  and  conspicuous  men. 
Among  the  chiefs  of  that  disastrous  scheme. 
Brave  Tone  appeared  and  introduced  his  name 
To  the  arch  fiend,  who  coil'd  himself  to  hear 
The  truth  itself  and  utter'd  without  fear. 
As  he  was  bent  a  sacrifice  to  make 
On  some  high  shrine  for  constitution's  sake ; 
He  had  arrested  and  betray'd  the  whole, 
And  stain'd  bis  conscience  and  eternal  soul ; 
Betray'd  his  friend,  and  all  for  love  of  gain, 
Without  compunction  for  the  shameful  stain — ■ 
The  Reverend  man  being  left  without  a  hope, 
Had  swallow'd  poison  to  avoid  the  rope  : 
Some  men  of  rank  for  Tone  did  interpose. 
And  got  him  clear  of  his  invidious  foes. 
On  terms  severe  that  make  a  man  to  mourn, 
And  British  laws  repudiate  and  scorn. 
He  was  compell'd  his  native  land  to  fly. 
The  very  land  for  which  he  had  to  die  ; 
If  back  he  came  his  doom  they'd  antidate, 
Or  bind  the  champion  with  the  chains  of  fate. 
Therefore,  he  fled  to  save  his  threaten'd  life. 
And  took  with  him  his  children  and  his  wife ; 
Without  delay  he  stood  away  to  sea — 
And  sought  the  land  of  glorious  liberty. 
The  Orange  faction  had  disunion  sown — 
And  their  abettors  fawning  round  the  throne. 
Had  them  advis'd  immediately  to  wage 
Destructive  war  without  regarding  age, 


79 

'Gainst  ev'ry  man  tvIio  lov'd  his  country  dear, 
Be  he  a  priest,  a  peasant,  or  a  peer. 
And  that  they  did,  remorseless  and  severe. 
The  gallant  Tone,  "\yho  fled  his  native  place, 
Which  had  been  harrass'd  by  an  alien  race, 
The  most  intrusive  on  a  soil  that  trod. 
Which  was  created  by  Almighty  God — 
A  soil  ordain'd  for  human  hands  to  plow, 
And  gain  a  living  by  a  moisten'd  brow — 
Tho'  being  ordain'd  by  an  ambitious  race, 
Such  is  revers'd  and  blotted  out  of  place. 
They  like  an  ox  that  fatten' d  in  the  stall, 
Do  sit  contented  as  the  Lords  of  all — 
They  eat  and  drink  at  ev'ry  gorgeous  feast, 
While  those  that  labour  have  receiv'd  the  least — 
To  trivial  crimes  they  carry  out  this  plan, 
Accuse,  then  try,  and  execute  the  man. 
When  Tone  arriv'd*  he  made  no  long  delay, 
Impulsive  feelings  forc'd  the  man  away ; 
The  love  of  freedom  dwelling  in  his  breast, 
Inspir'd  his  feelings  and  annoy'd  his  rest — 
And  such  a  scheme,  with  prudence  to  advance. 
He  soon  depart'd  for  the  coast  of  France, 
From  thence  he  steer'd  across  the  boisterous  sea. 
To  help  his  friends  and  set  his  country  free, 
In  the  attempt,  alas  !  by  savage  laws, 
He  fell  a  victim  to  his  country's  cause. 
Things  remain'd  in  operation  still. 
As  wick'd  passions  urg'd  the  human  will, — 
The  land  was  cover'd  with  official  spies, 
The  source  of  terror  and  malicious  lies. 
Each  spy  would  hug  and  kiss  the  sacred  book, 
Whose  cream-like  visage  and  Satanic  look. 
Bespoke  at  once  the  trembling  victim's  state. 
Whose  chains  predicted  his  approaching  fate ; 
When  a  dire  friend,  for  sake  of  British  pay. 
Would  swear  his  brother's  precious  life  away  ; 
A  patriot's  blood,  as  oft  remark'd  before. 
In  place  of  one  will  yield  a  thousand  more — 
*■  America. 


80 

That  wholesale  slaughter  did  but  aggravate, 

And  made  men  anxious  for  a  dire  debate. 

The  north  and  south,  the  east  and  west,  were  rife, 

As  all  were  anxious  for  the  coming  strife — 

No  ancient  worship,  or  sectarian  creed, 

Did  sow  disunion  in  the  time  of  need. 

While  such  exists  within  the  human  mind, 

Goes  far  to  show  that  man  was  born  blind; 

Liberty  of  conscience  is  my  only  claim. 

Why  not  my  brother  be  allow'd  the  same. 

This  inward  grudge  bespeaks  the  want  of  grace, 

How  can  we  grudge,  and  we  of  Adam's  race  ; 

And  if  at  times,  that  we  should  disagree. 

What  are  we  still,  but  of  one  family  ? 

They  should,  therefore,  without  a  sigh  or  moan, 

Resist  united  and  destroy  the  throne. 

The  best  of  men  enlisted  in  the  cause, 

As  being  disgusted  with  the  British  laws, 

Which  had  been  bearded  with  the  shafts  of  fate, 

To  clinch  the  union  of  the  church  and  state ; 

That  strange  connection  ill  befits  its  place, 

And  acts  repugnant  to  the  acts  of  grace. 

Tempestuous  gales,  and  bleak  inclement  skies. 

Repulsed  the  French  in  that  great  enterprise. 

Perhaps  kind  Providence  had  sanctioned  all. 

And  saved  that  time  the  withering  structure's  fall ; 

Tho'  spared  it  then,  and  clings  together  still, 

Down  she'll  fall  with  the  Almighty's  will ; 

Her  tottering  frame  and  her  enormous  weight 

Will  make  her  rue  her  marriage  with  the  state. 

From  those  that  preach  for  such  enormous  pay, 

Withdraw  their  sums,  and  they'll  forget  to  pray; 

Such  weighty  sums,  feigned  great  devotion's  leaven. 

And  glittering  dust  will  keep  them  out  of  heaven. 

Four  w^orthy  "^men  of  eminence  and  fame 

Had  joined  the  cause,  and  each  prefixed  his  name 

To  all  conditions,  in  the  rendezvous — 

As  men  of  honor  in  such  cases  do. 

*  Lord  Edward  Fitzgerald,  Emmet,  McNeven,  aud  Arthur 
O'Conner. 


81 

Tho'  France  being  foiled  in  the  attempts  she  made, 

They  thought  it  prudent  to  implore  her  aid, 

And  try  once  more  what  Providence  would  do, 

To  raise  the  many  and  depress  the  few. 

Two  "^'chiefs  were  sent  as  I  will  here  relate. 

For  some  assistance  to  emancipate — 

The  struggling  patriots  from  a  foreign  yoke, 

And  words  of  wisdom  to  the  purpose  spoke ; 

OflQcial  fiends  did  always  interfere 

With  lips  cemented,  and  attentive  ear, 

To  watch  their  motions  as  they  did  advance 

With  care  and  caution  on  their  way  to  France  ; 

And  one  small  hint  will  now  completely  show. 

The  wiles  and  actions  of  their  subtle  foe. 

Lord  Edward  stopped  at  Hamburg  on  his  way, 

And  there  detained  by  some  unknown  delay  ; 

Perhaps  detained  to  consummate  some  plan. 

Could  purchase  freedom  for  his  fellow  man. 

Attached  to  this  I  will  to  you  reveal 

A  curious  fact,  and  not  a  comic  tale — 

Lord  Edward  met  a  comely  goddess  there. 

With  fine  dimensions  and  agreeable  air. 

To  whom  he  freely  had  divulged  his  mind, 

Thought  as  being  handsome  that  she  must  be  kind, 

That  time  he  made  a  disingenuous  hit. 

As  that  fair  goddess  was  employed  by  Pitt ; 

AVhich  shows  his  spies  were  scattered  far  and  near. 

To  send  him  word  of  every  thing  they'd  hear. 

Prudential  motives  held  the  chief  behind. 

Or  daring  plans,  peculiar  to  his  mind ; 

Whereas  he  sent  O'Connor  in  advance 

To  league,  not  trifle,  with  majestic  France ; 

To  ask  her  aid  to  discomfit  a  throne. 

There  pride  and  plunder  had  enormous  ^rown. 

A  throne  when  humbled,  tho'  being  bold  and  strong. 

The  world  will  wonder  how  she  stood  so  long. 

The  French  averr'd  to  venerate  the  case. 

And  raze  that  hydra  to  her  very  base. 

*  Lord  Edward  and  Arthur  O'Conner. 


82 

The  lord  returned  to  his  native  home, 

Without  internal  or  external  gloom  ; 

And  was  proclaimed  unanimously  then 

The  chief  and  leader  of  United  men  ; 

To  whose  opinion  and  superior  skill 

Each  wavering  man  should  bend  his  wavering  will. 

And  as  his  tactics  were  admired  and  known, 

Each  man  submitted  and  resigned  his  own. 

The  French  who  always  did  neglect  the  cause, 

Or  else  submitted  to  a  lengthy  pause, 

Had  sent  a  letter  to  the  noble  lord, 

Yy^hat  they  would  do,  and  what  they  could  afford  ; 

That  in  four  months  they'd  send  the  noble  chief 

Eive  thousand  men — a  very  small  relief — 

And  other  things  that  would  his  foes  disarm, 

In  spite  of  them  in  the  approaching  storm. 

The  news  aroused  the  lion-hearted  lord. 

Which  made  him  issue  a  sententious  card. 

To  rise  and  strike  a  simultaneous  blow, 

Which  should  prostrate  and  discomfit  the  foe ; 

He  said  delays  unquestionably  will  drown 

Our  future  prospects  to  upset  the  crown. 

Pitt's  policy  was  impregnable,  and  his  policy 
and  intrigues  were  in  a  direct  proportion  to  the 
rest  of  his  admirable  abilities.  His  extravagant 
distribution  of  British  gold,  adulterated  and  putri- 
fied  many  a  man  that  would  stand  immovably 
beyond  the  reach  of  temptation  on  any  other 
occasion.  Gold,  and  the  promise  of  a  speedy 
elevation,  and  the  assurance  that  such  invaluable 
services  rendered  the  crown,  and  in  defence  of  the 
constitution,  would  inevitably  reflect  on  the  in- 
former's posterity  and  raise  them  to  estimation, 
dignity,  and  future  prosperity  ;  such  were  the 
dazzling,  insiduous,  and  delusive  offers  that  opened 
every  avenue  to  discovery.  Pitt  and  his  infernal 
satelites  were  the  framers  of  the  abundant  supply, 
and  of  that  extravagant  encouragement,  neverthe- 
less, no  excuse  or  encouragement,  be  it  ever  so  rich, 


83 

so  rare,  so  insinuating,  or  so  well  galvanized  with 
promises  of  future  happiness,  can  paliate  the 
accursed  crime  of  an  informer,  as  he  is  always 
considered  below  the  level  of  the  meanest  male- 
factor. That  gold  so  extravagantly  lavished  on 
such  creatures  by  the  defenders  of  the  throne,  had 
been  wrested  from  the  Irish  and  given  unjustly  to 
every  scoundrel  that  would  give  information  to  a 
crown  authority  of  all  plans  contemplated  for  the 
subversion  and  overthrow  of  the  British  govern- 
ment. 

Among  the  Irish  informers  we  find  the  name  of 
Thomas  Reynolds,  and  through  the  treachery  of 
Reynolds,  the  leaders,  or  many  of  them,  were 
arrested  in  Oliver  Bond's  house,  in  Bridge  street, 
Dublin,  on  the  12th  of  March, '1798.  That  meet- 
ing was  considered  the  final  rendezvous  of  the 
executive  committee  or  leaders  of  the  national  con- 
federacy, for  all  things  were  previously  adjusted  to 
commence  an  immediate  warfare  for  the  restoration 
of  their  national  liberty  and  their  future  indepen- 
dence ;  yet  Reynold's  treachery  counteracted  their 
designs  and  prostrated  the  lofty  schemes  of  gigantic 
considerations. 

That  treacherous  man,  a  scandal  to  his  place, 
To  all  his  friends  and  to  the  human  race ; 
That  vile  informer  and  degraded  man 
Divulged,  revealed,  related  ev'ry  plan 
To  a  vile  vulture  under  British  pay, 
Still  fed  and  fatten'd,  was  in  quest  of  prey ; 
Which  he  conveyed  with  an  amazing  haste, 
And  left  the  whole  a  wilderness  and  waste. 
Lord  Edward  fell  in  an  unequal  strife. 
And  by  a  drummer  was  deprived  of  life. 

It   is  alledged,   and  with  truth  and  much  cer- 
tainty, that  Lord  Edward  came  to  his  death  by  a 
wound  he  received  from  a  drummer  while  struggling 
with  his  adversaries.      When  Major,  sir*  Captain, 
*  Ryan. 


8i 

and  some  others  of  the  officious  vultures  had 
arrested  Lord  Edward  in  Murphey's  house,  in 
Dublin,  on  the  29th  of  May  1798,  he  resisted 
them  with  incredible  strength  and  determination, 
and  having  one  of  his  assailants  under,  when  in  a 
bent  position  over  him,  he  received  a  stab  of  a 
bayonet  in  the  back  of  the  neck  from  the  drummer ; 
an  animal,  by  the  most  accurate  investigation  I 
could  receive,  not  of  a  greater  magnitude  than  an 
ordinary  sized  family  teapot  or  a  Gibralter  mon- 
key, who  was  afterwards  raised  to  the  dignity  of  a 
Peer — the  usual  reward  of  English  clemency  to  all 
notorious  informers  and  murderers  who  signalized 
themselves  by  such  savage  barbarity  and  shameful 
insinuations  in  defence  of  the  Government. 

The  King,  and  Pitt,  and  Castlereagh  w^ere  then 

But  reckless  savages  in  shape  of  men, 

Who  had  conspir'd  to  desolate  the  soil. 

And  reckon'd  hanging  but  an  easy  toil. 

The  men  excited  to  rebel  and  rise, 

And  which  they  did,  which  caus'd  no  great  surprise; 

The  worthy  men  had  suffer' d  for  the  state, 

Eor  virtuous  actions  only  wrought  their  fate. 

But  three  small  counties  had  withstood  the  fray, 

If  all  would  rise,  they  would  have  gained  the  day. 

And  such  thro'  life  let  every  man  revere. 

Brave  Wexford  first,  then,  Wicklow  and  Kildaro. 

The  sad  afflictions  that  tormented  men 

Cannot  be  told  by  a  poetic  pen. 

Himself,*  in  his  poetic  prose, 

Could  not  describe  their  pestilence  and  woes  ; 

If  hell  were  swept,  and  all  the  imps  below, 

To  find  another  corresponding  foe. 

For  Pitt's  officials,  such  could  not  be  found, 

Link'd,  cemented,  and  ungodly  bound. 

I  speak  the  truth,  without  the  least  mistake, 

That  such  a  set,  n'er  crossed  the  Stygian  lake ; 

But,  who  compos'd  that  hellish,  hateful  clique, 

The  vile  believers  of  reform'd  Dick.f 

*  Fenelon.  f  Old  Harry  the  VIII. 


85 

The  Irish  saw,  with  what  malicious  spleen, 
They  hung  their  chiefs  and  lacerated  men. 
They  thought  it  better  to  resist  than  lie 
Or  sit  inglorious  'till  the  whole  should  die. 
Tho'  unprepar'd  they  made  a  sudden  break 
To  gain  their  freedom  or  the  throne  to  shake ; 
The  awful  carnage  ere  the  fray  was  o'er. 
Of  heaps  promiscuous  weltering  in  their  gore. 
Not  those  that  fell  upon  embattled  plains, 
Of  Irish  chiefs,  or  of  majestic  swains  ; 
Resistless  fell,  by  a  polluted  race. 
And  fell  promiscuous  in  their  native  place. 
A  race  accus'd,  acquitted,  and  accurs'd — 
The  wicked  offspring  of  unlawful  lust ; 
Such  were  the  fiends  who  signaliz'd  the  strife, 
Without  compunction,  or  regard  to  life. 
When  thus  engag'd  with  an  outrageous  foe, 
That  had  been  neither  fickle,  faint,  or  slow. 
Where  is  the  man  who  deems  himself  a  sage. 
Without  experience  knows  the  weight  of  age ; 
Where  is  the  man  that  felt  the  tyrant's  heel. 
Who  would  not  use  the  poinard  and  the  steel. 
But  how  to  judge  of  that  polluted  throne. 
Is  by  the  widows'  and  the  orphans'  moan ; 
The  widow's  moan,  must  penetrate  the  skies, 
And  God  himself,  has  heard  the  orphans'  cries ; 
Who  will  at  last,  I  use  no  taunting  jeer, 
Make  tyrants  tremble  and  his  vengeance  fear — 
That  God  whom  Pharaoh  had  refus'd  to  heed, 
Display'd  his  power  and  reveng'd  the  deed. 
His  potent  word  the  waters  did  obey. 
Which  swept  vile  Pharaoh  and  his  host  away. 
0  !  Lord  of  hosts  !  how  oft  vile  asses  bray 
When  holy  saints  in  solemn  silence  pray  ! 
Ah  !  tyrants,  tremble  and  prepare,  a  torch. 
Will  light  you  back  to  the  unerring  church. 
Prepare  yourself,  for  death  will  come  unknown. 
And  beg  for  mercy  for  your  sins  alone. 
Drop  Luther's  creed,  that  wretched,  fallen  man, 
Whom  Harry  sanction'd  for  the  sake  of  Ann. 
8 


Too  late  it  came,  could  no  salvation  bring, 
It  bears  no  blossom,  and  it  has  no  spring. 
Presumptuous  man,  why  are  you  not  afraid. 
As  God  made  man  and  all  the  things  are  made. 
That  fatal  fall  from  religion  and  truth. 
The  ruin  and  poison  of  old  age  and  youth. 
And  all  the  acts  that  Russel  made  of  late, 

0  !  late  or  early  will  ensure  his  fate — 

That  impious  man,  whose  hellish  acts  and  strife 

Are  duly  enter'd  in  the  book  of  life. 

Contentious  man,  'tis  better  to  resign. 

Than  madly  struggle  with  that  strength  divine ; 

For,  do  your  best,  in  that  unholy  fight. 

That  strength  will  leave  you  in  the  shades  of  night. 

During  that  strife,  brave  Tone  was  busy  still, 

And  all  were  happy  if  he  had  his  will. 

A  gallant  fleet  had  been  at  his  command, 

For  the  redemption  of  his  native  land. 

Yet  adverse  winds  had  caused  the  great  delay, 

And  in  the  harbor  all  the  time  she  lay  ; 

For  five  long  weeks  they  did  not  heave  the  lead, 

The  ships  being  anchor'd  and  the  gale  a-head. 

Until  at  length,  a  British  fleet  drew  nigh, 

Block'd  up  the  harbor  and  then  anchor'd  by. 

The  fleets  engag'd  for  a  memorial  sway — 

Alas!  the  British  had  maintain'd  the  day. 

When  Tone  had  seen  that  ev'ry  thing  was  lost, 

Without  consulting  the  enormous  cost 

He  plac'd  his  shoulder  to  the  sturdy  plow, 

And  sought  Napoleon  with  a  haughty  brow. 

His  case  related  with  pathetic  fire 

Before  that  august  and  ambitious  sire ; 

He  said,  as  thus,  "my  liege,  be  you  aware, 

1  feel  despondent  from  intrinsic  care; 
My  country's  doom  to  slavery,  by  those 
Who  are  her  deadly  and  imbitter'd  foes. 
No  peace  or  comfort  there  can  man  enjoy, 
Her  cities  sack'd  alike  ill-fated  Troy. 
Long  ere  this  I  could  revert  her  laws. 

But  gales  tempestuous  did  oppose  my  cause. 


87 

The  thoughts  of  it  my  constitution  shake, 

As  I  could  perish  for  my  country's  sake — 

Could  I  but  say  before  I  would  expire, 

My  country's  free  from  all  despotic  ire. 

And  now,  great  sire,  I  come  to  you  to  ask 

For  strenuous  help  to  undertake  the  task ; 

If  I  succeed  'twill  add  to  your  renown. 

And  dim  the  lustre  of  the  British  crown." 

Soothing  words  on  lofty  minds  prevail, 

AVhen  all  compulsion  would  entirely  fail. 

Napoleon  knew  how  oft  he  tried  before. 

To  land  an  army  on  the  Irish  shore ; 

But  an  unlucky  and  tempestuous  gale, 

Repuls'd  his  fleet  and  shatter'd  ev'ry  sail. 

The  sire  then  said,  "  I'll  give  you  means  and  men, 

And  ev'ry  chance  to  try  your  luck  again ; 

I  know  your  country  groans  beneath  the  weight, 

Of  hungry  harpies  that  devour  the  state. 

I  say,  therefore,  don't  hesitate  or  rue. 

We'll  try  once  more  what  Providence  will  do ; 

We'll  help  you  now  as  we  had  help'd  before. 

And  trust  yourself  to  Providence  once  more." 

These  words  he  said  compos'd  unting'd  with  ire, 

Which  spoke  the  will  of  that  potential  sire. 

In  this  explanatory  note  it  may  not,  perhaps,  be 
unnecessary  or  out  of  place  to  give  an  idea  of  the 
inflexible  courage,  indefatigable  exertion,  and  in- 
comparable assiduity  of  the  immortal  Tone,  in  his 
attempt  to  redeem  his  unfortunate  and  ill-fated 
country,  from  the  grasp  of  an  insolent,  despotic, 
and  tyrannical  government,  an  unchristian  combi- 
nation. He  took  his  departure  from  America,  for 
France,  without  abundance  or  means,  with  the  appro- 
bation only  of  some  chiefs  of  the  united  confederacy, 
destitute  of  any  introduction,  but  his  commanding 
appearance,  beautiful  address,  and  the  rectitude  of  his 
cause;  such  were  his  letters  of  recommendation,  and 
when  we  consider  under  these  circumstance,  his 
negotiations  with  France,  then  we  can  form  some 


idea  or  opinion  of  his  cleverness,  of  his  patriotism, 
and  of  his  desire  for  the  redemption  of  his  country. 
When  first  he  left  Brest  for  that  purpose,  that  is,  to 
exonorate  his  country  from  the  thraldom  and  the 
miseries  of  a  foreign  yoke,  he  had  with  him  sixty 
ships,  and  all  other  means  for  the  invasions  of  Ire- 
land. He  would  unquestionably  at  that  time  accom- 
plish the  emancipation  of  his  country  had  he  landed, 
as  he  had  on  board  a  formidable  army,  under  the 
command  of  one  of  the  most  skillful  and  consummate 
general  that  could  be  appointed  for  that  enterprise, 
— Hoche,  the  very  general  tactically  instructed 
Napoleon,  whose  approbation  of  an  army  and 
arrangements  in  the  field,  w^ould  ensure  success, — 
under  such  favourable  circumstances,  the  lion- 
hearted  Tone  felt  encouraged  and  gratified,  and 
seemed  confident  the  sun  displayed  more  than  usual 
brilliancy.  Alas !  alas !  such  was  not  the  case.  The 
fleet  had  been  dispersed  at  sea,  by  one  of  the  most 
terrific  and  tremendous  gales  that  ever  blew  from 
any  quarter  of  the  heavens,  defied  all  efibrts,  and 
rendered  the  attempt  fruitless,  and  abortive.  After 
his  disastrous  discomfiture  in  his  first  attempt  for 
the  freedom  of  his  country,  he  made  a  second  appli- 
cation to  the  republic  of  Hamburg,  and  succeeded 
in  raising  another  formidable  fleet,  which  had  been 
anchored  in  Texel  harbour,  and  there  detained  by 
another  extraordinary  gale  during  thirty  five  days, 
until  a  British  fleet  sailed  from  England,  blocked 
up  the  harbor  and  rendered  the  fleet  ineffectual.  The 
British  and  Batavian  fleets  had  a  severe  engage- 
ment, and  the  British  fleet  finally  defeated  her  ad- 
versary, which  result  Tone  anticipated.  This  second 
defeat  was  not  powerful  enough  to  destroy  the  future 
exertions  of  Tone  for  the  redemption  of  his  country. 
He  was  neither  dismayed  nor  disheartened  by  re- 
peated misfortunes,  though  pressed  somewhat  from 
vicissitudes,  his  courage  hardly  yielded  an  inch. 
Tone  being  reduced  to  extremities,  and  baffled  by  the 
caprices  of  fortune,  thoroughly  excited  his  courage 


89 

to  accomplish  his  design.  He  then  immediately 
repaired  to  France,  related  his  misfortunes  to  Na- 
poleon, investigated  the  miseries  of  his  countrymen, 
and  supplicated  his  assistance,  once  more  to  free 
his  oppressed  country,  from  the  hostile  ferocity  of 
English  demegogues.  Napoleon  and  the  French 
Directory  fitted  out  another  expedition  for  the 
redemption  of  Ireland,  which  alas,  proved  his  final 
overthrow,  and  closed  his  earthly  career.  The 
last  fleet  by  a  preconcerted  plan,  did  not  set  sail 
together,  but  at  different  times,  and  in  separate 
divisions,  to  avoid  the  probability  of  detection,  as 
it  had  been  a  gigantic  and  perilous  adventure. 
Alas !  as  usual !  they  were  opposed  by  the  irresistible 
ally  of  the  British  constitution,  a  furious  and  inde- 
scribable gale,  which  separated  the  fleet,  and  com- 
pelled each  division  to  seek  shelter,  wherever 
convenience  or  opportunity  afi*orded  them  shelter, 
from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  Nevertheless, 
Hubert,  one  of  the  French  generals,  on  the  30th  of 
August,  1798,  landed  at  Killalla,  with  one  thousand 
men,  some  clothing,  and  some  ammunition,  and 
other  implements  of  war.  Such  a  force  was  insufii- 
cient  to  bring  his  design  to  maturity,  though  not 
knowing  the  destiny  of  the  rest  of  the  fleet,  on  his 
landing,  he  hoisted  a  green  flag,  with  the  ever 
memorable  motto,  Erin  go  Bragh,  which  at  once 
kindled  a  flame  of  original  animosity  in  the  hearts 
of  all  the  country  people,  in  that  locality,  who 
rushed  to  his  standard  without  fear  or  hesitation. 
The  French  general  expecting  the  immediate  attack 
of  his  adversary,  placed  his  army  in  an  attitude  of 
defence,  and  proceeded  immediately  to  Ballinah,  to 
dislodge  a  garrison  left  there  for  its  protection;  and 
coAvardly,  indeed,  they  fled  from  the  place  without 
showing  the  least  sign  of  resistance  to  the  ap- 
proaching little  army,  consisting  of  eight  hundred 
regular  troops  and  fifteen  hundred  of  yoemanry, 
and  after  deserting  the  fortification  they  united  with 
a  formidable  force  of  royalists  that  had  been  sta- 
8* 


90 

tioned  at  Castlebar,  not  far  from  hence.  The 
French  general  hotlj  pursued  them  with  his  little 
army  and  all  the  countrymen  who  came  to  his  as- 
sistance with  alacrity  and  determination,  on  coming 
up  to  them,  they  were  advantageously  posted. 
The  royalists,  were  drawn  out  to  advantage  on  an 
eminence,  consisting  of  eight  thousand  affective  men, 
prepared  immediately  for  action;  and  on  discovering 
their  warlike  preparations  he,  the  French  general, 
displayed  much  skill,  courage  and  discipline,  har- 
rangued  his  followers  with  unmistakable  eloquence, 
until  they  seem'd  animated  with  an  extraordinary 
desire  to  encounter  the  enemy,  and  the  result  was, 
that  the  royalists  gave  way  and  fled  in  consterna- 
tion and  dismay  towards  Tuam  forty  miles  from 
Castlebar,  leaving  behind  them  on  the  battle  ground 
fourteen  pieces  of  cannon,  and  all  other  implements 
of  war  they  had  for  their  protection.  This  was  a 
stupendous  overthrow  and  altogether  unexpected. 
It  is  confidently  stated  that  some  of  the  south  and 
Kilkenny  militia  deserted  the  British  ranks,  and 
through  patriotism  joined  their  countrymen  to  defeat 
the  royalists.  This  was  as  it  should  be,  and  would 
be  the  case  to-morrow,  if  the  like  opportunity  offered. 
Hundreds  of  those  gallant  patriots  were  afterwards 
hung  at  Ballynamuck,  by  the  orders  of  the  unre- 
lenting and  blood  thirsty  demon,  Lord  Cornwallis. 
After  all  the  magnanimity  displayed  by  the  French 
general,  there  was  still  a  deficiency  in  the  general 
character  of  his  generalship.  This  was  the  want 
of  perseverance  and  impetuosity,  for  if  he  vigorously 
proceeded,  without  delay,  or  hesitation,  to  the  capital 
of  the  kingdom,  as  he  would  be  acquiring  strength 
and  encouragement  every  hour,  the  goddess  of 
liberty  would  not  be  at  this  present  time  pensively 
repining  in  the  dungeons  of  captivity,  under  the 
lash  of  aristocratical  pride,  insult  and  detestation, 
and  spurned  by  those  gentlemen,  who  tremble  when 
hearing  of  her  venerated  name.  The  French  general 
instead  of  pursuing  the  above-mentioned  course,  re- 


91 

mained  inactively  in  Castlebar,  until  he  was  attacked 
by  twenty  thousand  efficient  men,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lord  Cornwallis,  and  of  course,  overpow- 
ered and  defeated,  which  put  an  end  in  that  country 
to  his  military  career,  and  defaced  his  future  pro- 
tensions.  All  Irishmen  of  note,  and  respectability, 
who  distinguished  themselves  in  the  Irish  rebellion, 
were  executed  to  glut  the  vengeance  of  the  British 
government,  and  no  remonstrance  or,  interposition 
could  hebetate  the  ferocity  and  savage  barbarity  of 
the  British  tyrants,  until  the  last  execution  took 
place.  Another  division  of  the  fleet  intended  for 
the  invasion  of  Ireland  entered  Lough  Swilly  in 
the  north  of  Ireland,  about  the  same  time.  The 
squadron  consisted  of  six  or  seven  small  frigates 
and  one  ship  of  the  line,  and  had  on  board  three 
thousand  men  under  the  command  of  general  Hardy, 
among  whom  had  been  the  indomitable,  but  ill-fated 
Tone.  No  sooner  had  the  squadron  entered  the 
lake,  than  seven  men  of  war  belonging  to  the  British 
entered  also,  and  bore  down  on  them  with  unpa- 
ralleled desperation  and  vengeance.  Tliis  detection 
could  not  be  avoided,  as  Pitt  had  been  in  possession 
of  the  destination  of  the  squadron  or  fleet  since  it 
left  the  coast  of  France,  and  had  been  prepared  to 
give  them  a  warm  reception.  A  desperate  en- 
gagement took  place  between  the  two  squadrons, 
and  after  a  desperate  struggle  the  French  were 
defeated,  and  all  the  men  aboard  taken  prisoners 
of  war.  Tone  passed  as  a  French  officer,  unknown 
and  unmolested,  until  all  the  officers  were  invited 
to  breakfast  at  the  mansion  of  the  Earl  of  Cavan, 
where,  and  when,  at  breakfast  unfortunate  Tone  was 
identified,  by  Sir  George  Hill,  who  accosted  him  by 
name,  and  to  whom  Tone  responded  unequivocally, 
and  soon  as  breakfast  was  over,  he  was  called  into 
an  adjoining  room,  and  there  unscrupulously  bound 
hand  and  foot  with  a  heavy  chain  that  foretold  his 
approaching  calamity  and  misfortune,  and  sent  in 
that  predicament  to  Dublin,  to  be  tried  for  his  life, 


92 

by  the  most  unrelenting  and  unscrupulous  judges, 
perhaps,  that  could  be  found  at  that  time  under  the 
canopy  of  heaven.  Tone  wanted  to  be  tried  by  the 
laws  of  honourable  warfare,  but  his  request  had 
been  indignantly  spurned,  and  Tone  had  been  tried 
as  a  traitor  and  an  outlaw,  and  sentenced  by  martial 
law  to  be  hung  as  a  malefactor  on  the  scaffold. 
When  the  brave  but  unfortunate  Tone  heard  their 
fatal  conclusion,  he  again  requested  to  die  as  a 
soldier,  that  is  by  a  round  from  the  grenadiers,  an 
hour  after  the  sentence  of  death  was  passed  on  him. 
That  consolation  also  they  denied  him,  but  to  be 
hung  would  be  too  degrading  for  the  lofty  concep- 
tions of  the  ever-lamented  and  venerated  Tone,  and 
too  ignominious  a  death  for  the  patriot  to  suffer,  and 
therefore  he  attempted  his  own  life,  by  making  an 
incision  in  the  jugular  vein,  which  though  not 
causing  instant  death,  proved  fatal.  The  immortal 
incomparable  and  ever  to  be  lamented  John  F. 
Curran,  my  country  and  county  man,  and  one  of 
Ireland's  incorruptible  patriots  who  was  always 
found  at  the  side  of  mercy,  moved  the  King's  bench 
by  a  habeus  corpus  to  have  him  tried  by  the  laws 
of  his  country,  and  through  the  means  of  that 
friendly  interposition.  Lord  Kilwarden,  issued  to 
the  same  effect,  but  when  the  law  officer  arrived 
at  the  barracks,  he  was  indignantly  refused  ad- 
mittance, and  on  hearing  that,  the  lord  sent  the 
sheriff  to  facilitate  its  execution,  and  the  answer 
he  received  was,  that  Tone  was  fast  approaching 
dissolution,  and  that  no  hopes  could  be  entertained 
of  his  recovery.  The  prediction  proved  too  true, 
brave  Tone  fell  in  the  arms  of  death,  from  the  loss 
of  blood,  and  with  him  fell  at  that  time  the  courage 
and  exertions  of  all  united  Irishmen,  and  the  fortunes 
of  his  unfortunate  country.     1798. 

Tone  no  more,  the  vile  decrees  of  state 
Too,  soon  predicted  his  untimely  fate, 
All  freemen  then  and  bondsmen  did  as  well 
With  patriots  mourn,  when  the  patriot  fell. 


93 

In  spite  of  vultures,  who  the  patriot  tried, 
He  nobly  fell  and  for  his  country  died. 
Doom'd  freedom  fled  then  to  lament  his  fate, 
And  left  the  vultures  to  enjoy  the  state. 
I  bid  adieu  to  that  illustrious  name, 
Tho'  died  a  victim,  rais'd  his  country's  fame. 
Three  jewels  sparkle  in  the  following  lines, 
Would  dim  the  lustre  of  Peruvian  mines. 
The  great  Mc'Neven  that  in  dungeons  pray'd, 
Confin'd  by  tyrants  when  a  fiend  betray'd. 
And  the  great  Emmet  bound  in  loathsome  holes, 
Prepar'd  and  furnished  by  the  English  moles. 
With  brave  O'Connor,  the  united  three, 
Who  struggled  hard  to  set  their  country  free. 
These  three  great  men  expected  no  relief, 
Betray'd  by  Reynolds,  the  infernal  thief. 
But,  still,  unseen  decrees,  suspended  fate. 
And  all  its  terrors  till  another  date. 
As  this  one  act  is  worthy  of  all  praise, 
And  of  all  the  charms  of  a  poet's  lays. 
It  shows  precisely  in  the  hour  of  strife. 
The  great  affection  of  a  virtuous  wife. 
Emmet's  wife  in  spite  of  pride  and  power, 
Had  forc'd  her  way  into  that  massive  tower. 
Than  part  with  him  she  would  prefer  to  die, 
Tho'  cold  the  cell,  and  hard  the  place  to  lie. 
The  power  of  Briton  could  not  make  her  fly. 
She  thought  she  would  in  his  misfortune  share. 
And  try  how  happy  she  could  make  him  there. 
Of  earthly  pleasures  she  would  not  partake, 
Forsook  them  all  for  her  dear  Emmet's  sake, 
For  three  long  years  in  jail  with  him  she  lay. 
And  seem'd  as  happy  as  the  Queen  of  May. 
The  French  were  then  around  the  Irish  shore. 
They  saw  their  sails  and  heard  their  cannon  roar. 
AVhich  frighten'd  Pitt,  and  his  colleague*  to  death. 
And  made  them  belch  the  most  ofi'ensive  breath. 
As  usual  then  they  molified  their  wrath, 
And  took  at  once  a  second  sober  thought. 

*  Lord  Castlereagli. 


94 

They  knew  the  evil  of  their  wicked  cause, 
And  thought  it  best  to  moderate  the  laws. 
It  happen'd  well  and  fortunate  to  those 
Whose  lives  were  pending  on  their  English  foes, 
To  Scotland  then  the  noble  patriots  went. 
Or  I  should  say  compulsively  were  sent. 
And  there  confin'd  within  an  iron  jail, 
Which  art  constructed  on  a  mammoth  scale. 
Detain'd,  confin'd,  despondent,  sick,  and  sad, 
Without  a  hope,  but  confidence  in  God ; 
And  those  that  trust  in  his  unerring  word 
Will  find  him  still  to  be  a  gracious  Lord.  , 

A  Scottish*  chief  of  an  illustrious  race 
Had  been  commander  of  the  fort  and  place. 
A  better  man  could  not  exist  than  he, 
His  words  caus'd  mirth,  his  acts  a  jubilee  ; 
Unlike  some  tyrants  would  exult  and  crow, 
He  used  his  art  in  mitigating  woe — 
He  show'd  his  will  in  tending  ev'ry  call. 
And  felt,  and  wept,  and  sympathiz'd  with  all ; 
And  many  a  man,  tho'  conscious  of  his  fate, 
Enjoy'd  himself  and  quite  forgot  his  state. 
The  Irish  chiefs  who  had  been  in  his  care, 
Eor  noble  motives  had  been  banish'd  there, 
Had  been  at  liberty  to  range  at  large, 
As  if  he  never  had  them  in  his  charge. 
There  was  no  guard,  no  penalty,  no  pain, 
But  their  word  only,  to  return  again — 
That  was  enough,  the  governor  had  thought, 
As  Irish  honor  can  be  never  bought, 
The  Irish  chiefs  were  to  their  honor  true. 
And  the  brave  Scot  was  honourable  too. 
Some  time  elaps'd,  in  a  peculiar  state, 
Unmov'd,  yet  chill'd,  from  an  impending  fate ; 
'Till  Pitt,  consider'd  to  release  the  three. 
Who  suffered  hard,  for  what,  for  liberty. 

*  His  name  was  Steward,  an  invalid  officer,  and  a  gentleman 
of  honour.  They  felt  entirely  happy  under  his  control,  as  they 
were  at  liberty  to  go  and  come  in  whenever  it  answered  their 
purpose. 


95 

The  patriots  suffered  in  their  country's  cause, 

And  dared  the  vengeance  of  the  British  laws ; 

They  press'd  the  hand  of  the  illustrious*  chief, 

With  great  affection  and  intrinsic  grief. 

And  then  each  patriot  press'd  him  to  his  heart, 

And  hard  indeed  it  was  to  make  them  part. 

The  cloud  dispers'd,  and  ev'ry  thing  w^as  gay. 

All  fields  were  green  and  lambkins  seem'd  to  play, 

The  sun  put  forth  his  most  refulgent  ray  ; 

It  seem'd  that  nature  did  rejoice  to  see, 

The  Irish  patriots  get  their  liberty. 

Reynolds,  the  notorious  informer,  is  considered  to 
be  one  of  the  basest  characters  and  most  degraded 
scoundrels  that  could  be  found  in  the  catalogue 
of  informers,  and  no  epitaph  could  stand  the  test, 
answer  the  purpose  and  immortalize  his  name  so 
well  as  that  of  Luttrel's,  the  infamous  traitor  and 
informer  of  the  year  1691,  which  is  as  follows  : 

If  heaven  be  pleas'd  when  mortals  cease  to  sin, 
If  hell  be  pleas'd  when  villains  enter  in — 
If  earth  be  pleas'd  when  it  entombs  a  knave, 
Then  all  are  pleas'd  for  Luttrel's  in  the  grave. 

Dr.  McNeven  and  Thomas  Adis  Emmet,  after 
leaving  confinement,  spent  some  time  in  France,  and 
then  came  to  America,  and  immediately  after  land- 
ing declared  their  intentions,  and  afterwards  became 
useful  and  distinguished  citizens  of  this  country,  uni- 
versally esteemed  when  living,  and  much  lamented 
after  their  departure  for  happy  eternity.  Arthur 
0' Conner,  one  of  the  sufferers,  remained  in  France, 
putting  every  impediment  in  the  enemy's  way  when- 
ever an  opportunity  offered ;  the  last  effort,  a  com- 
bination of  any  magnitude  that  had  been  formed 
to  gain  Irish  independence,  had  been  formed  by  the 
celebrated  but  unfortunate  Robert  Emmet,  of  glo- 

*  Steward. 


96 

rious  memory,  and  the  extraordinary  yet  unsuccess- 
ful Mr.  Russell,  of  Belfast,  who  had  been  imprisoned 
in  Fort  George,  Scotland,  with  the  forementioned 
Irishmen,  namely,  McNeven,  Emmet  and  O'Con- 
nor. 

The  wily  web,  a  legislative  clew. 

Was  strong  and  stout  and  comprehensive  too. 

That  England  made  for  that  ill-fated  land — 

Which  bears  the  stigma  of  a  stranger's  brand. 

A  brand  that  withered  with  entire  disgrace, 

Whate'er  it  touch'd  as  being  bereft  of  grace ; 

And  all  the  prayers  of  the  pious  saints. 

Could  scarcely  cancel  the  unhallowed  taints. 

If  it  but  touch'd  the  solar  rays  of  light, 

The  day  was  turn'd  into  sable  night. 

It  were  the  doctors  Castlereagh  and  Pitt, 

Had  wrought  that  strong  impenetrable  net ; 

And  caus'd  the  union  a  tremendous  scheme, 

To  rob  Hibernia  of  her  wealth  and  fame. 

And  since  that  date,  they  have,  to  their  disgrace, 

Enforced  bad  laws  to  brutalize  the  place. 

Our  latest  statesmen,  two*  ambitious  lords, 

Who  knew  all  tricks  and  how  to  shuffle  cards ; 

Profoundly  wise  they  magnifi'd  their  sphere. 

Still,  future  ages  will  condemn  the  pair. 

They  made  sad  use  of  all  the  power  they  had, 

When  they  in  effigy  the  mother  of  God 

Consum'd  with  fire  before  the  signal  gaze 

Of  fiends  exulting  in  the  sinful  blaze. 

But  woe  to  them,  whose  laughter  long  and  loud, 

Made  them  conspicuous  in  that  hellish  crowd ; 

Let  them  be  sure,  that  did  the  like  abet, 

She  has  a  son  that  will  revenge  it  yet. 

Did  they  conceive  that  effigy  and  fun, 

Had  been  perceiv'd  by  her  eternal  son. 

They  would  withdraw  from  that  polluted  place, 

And  beg  for  mercy,  penitence  and  grace. 

*  Lord  John  Russell  and  Palmerston. 


97 

The  day  will  come,  indeed,  as  sure  as  time, 
Will  find  them  guilty  of  that  heinous  crime. 
The  two  great  lords  were  hurl'd  into  the  shade, 
Their  pride,  and  pomp,  and  ev'ry  act  they  made  ; 
And  if  a  prayer  be  heard,  and  void  of  sin, 
I  pray  those  lords  may  ne'er  remount  again. 

1783.      Bobert  Emmet,  the  Patriot  and  Martyr. 

Low  lies  the  chief,  the  patriot  and  the  sage, 

Who  lost  his  life  in  an  enlighten'd  age ; 

Whose  towering  language  like  a  comet  blaz'd 

When  fiendish  judges  on  the  patriot  gaz'd. 

When  Erin's  free  from  all  exotic  rust, 

We'll  write  his  epitaph  and  show  his  bust. 

She  will  be  then  as  she  had  been  before, 

The  seat  oi freedom^  and  the  throne  of  lore, 

The  stranger's  home,  where  he  was  fed  and  clad, 

And  taught  devoutly  to  adore  his  God. 

His  cares  and  woes  by  slow  degrees  then  fled, 

And  he  paid  nothing  for  his  board  and  bed. 

No  haughty  tyrants  then  dictated  laws. 

No  patriots  suffered  in  a  righteous  cause ; 

In  dreams  of  happiness,  his  throes  were  lost, 

As  being  supplied  without  expense  or  cost. 

Such  was  the  case,  'till  England's  laws  and  chains, 

Consum'd  her  pleasures,  and  reduc'd  her  means  ; 

But,  when  she's  free,  puissant,  bold  and  brave, 

We'll  make  a  rush  to  see  the  patriot's  grave. 

When  the  lamented  Emmet,  my  county*  and 
countryman,  was  arraigned  before  a  full  bench  of 
judges,  the  most  implacable,  cruel  and  unjust  that 
ever  met  together  to  try  a  man  for  his  life,  he 
delivered  the  following  celebrated  speech,  with  un- 
common firmness  and  composure.  Every  child 
should  read  it  after  reciting  his  morning  prayers, 
as  it  will  stand,  an  -impregnable  barrier,  against  the 
future  atrocities  of  that  unrighteous  and  infernal 
government. 

*  County  Cork. 
9 


98 


SPEECH  OF  ROBERT  EMMET. 

What  have  I  to    say  why   sentence    of  death 
shall  not  be  pronounced  on  me,  according  to  law  ? 
I  have  nothing  to  say,  which  can  alter  your  pre- 
determinations, nor  that  it  would  become  me  to  say 
with  any  view  to  the  mitigation  of  that  sentence 
which  you  are  here  to  pronounce,  and  which  I  must 
abide.     But  I  have  that  to  say  which  interests  me, 
more  than  life,  and  which  you  have  labored — as 
was  necessarily  your  office  in  the  present  circum- 
stances of  this  oppressed  country — to  destroy.     I 
have  much  to  say   why  my  reputation  should   be 
rescued   from    the    load    of   false    accusation    and 
calumny  which  has  been  heaped  upon  it.     I  do  not 
imagine  that,  seated  where  you  are,  your  minds 
can  be  so  free  from    impurity,  as  to  receive  the 
least  impression  from  what  I  am  going  to  utter.     I 
have  no  hope  that  I  can  anchor  my  character  in 
the  breast  of  a  court,  constituted  and  trammelled  as 
this  is — I  only  wish,  and  it  is  the  utmost  I  expect, 
that  your  lordships  may  suffer  it  to  float  down  your 
memories  untainted  by  the  foul  breath  of  prejudice, 
until  it  finds    some   more   hospitable    harbour   to 
shelter  it  from  the  rude  storm  by  which  it  is  at 
present   buffeted.     Were    I   only  to  suffer   death, 
after  being  adjudged   guilty  by  your  tribunal — I 
should   bow  in    silence,   and   meet   the    fate   that 
awaits  me  without  a  murmur — but  the  sentence  of 
the  law  which  delivers  my  body  to  the  executioner, 
will,  through  the  ministry  of  that  law,  labour  in 
its  own   vindication,   to   consign   my  character  to 
obloquy;  for  there  must  be  guilt  somewhere,  whether 
in  the  sentence  of  the  court,  or  in  the  catastrophe, 
posterity  must  determine.     A  man  in  my  situation, 
my  lords,  has  not  only  to  encounter  the  difliculties 
of  fortune,  and  the  force  of  power  over  minds  which 
it  has  corrupted  or  subjugated,  but  the  difliculties 
of  established  prejudice: — the  man  dies,  but  his 


99 

memory  lives:  that  mine  may  not  perish,  that  it 
may  live  in  the  respect  of  my  countrymen,  I  seize 
upon  this  opportunity  to  vindicate  myself  from 
some  of  the  charges  alleged  against  me.  When 
my  spirit  shall  be  wafted  to  a  more  friendly 
port ;  when  my  shade  shall  have  joined  the  bands 
of  those  martyred  heroes  who  have  shed  their  blood 
on  the  scaffold  and  in  the  field,  in  defence  of  their 
country  and  virtue,  this  is  my  hope ;  I  wish  that 
my  memory  and  name  may  animate  those  who  sur- 
vive me,  while  I  look  down  with  complacency  on 
the  destruction  of  that  perfidious  government,  which 
upholds  its  domination  by  blasphemy  of  the  Most 
High — which  displays  its  power  over  man  as  over 
the  beasts  of  the  forest — which  sets  man  upon  his 
brother,  and  lifts  his  hand,  in  the  name  of  God, 
against  the  throat  of  his  fellow,  who  believes  or 
doubts  a  little  more,  or  a  little  less,  than  the  govern- 
ment standard — a  government  which  is  steeled  to 
barbarity  by  the  cries  of  the  orphans  and  the  tears 
of  the  widows  which  it  has  made. 

Lord  Norbury.  **  The  weak  and  wicked  enthusiasts  who 
feel  as  you  feel,  are  unequal  to  the  accomplishment  of  their 
wild  designs." 

I  appeal  to  the  immaculate  God — I  swear  by  the 
throne  of  Heaven,  before  which  I  must  shortly 
appear — by  the  blood  of  the  murdered  patriots  who 
have  gone  before  me — that  my  conduct  has  been, 
through  all  this  peril,  and  through  all  my  purposes, 
governed  only  by  the  convictions  which  I  have 
uttered,  and  by  no  other  view,  than  that  of  their 
cure  and  the  emancipation  of  my  country  from  the 
super-inhuman  oppression  under  which  she  has  so 
long  and  too  patiently  travailed ;  and  that  I  confi- 
dently and  assuredly  hope  that  wild  and  chimerical 
as  it  may  appear,  there  is  still  union  and  strength 
in  Ireland  to  accomplish  this  noblest  enterprise. 
Of  this  I  speak  with  the  confidence  of  intimate 
knowledge,  and  with  the  consolation  that  appertains 
to  that  confidence.     Think  not,  my  lords,  I  say  this 


100 

for  tlie  petty  gratification  of  giving  you  a  transitory 
uneasiness;  a  man  who  never  yet  raised  his  voice 
to  assert  a  lie,  will  not  hazard  his  character  with 
posterity  by  asserting  a  falsehood  on  a  subject  so 
important  to  his  country,  and  on  an  occasion  like 
this.  Yes,  my  lords,  a  man  who  does  not  wish  to 
have  his  epitaph  written,  until  his  country  is  libe- 
rated, will  not  leave  a  weapon  in  the  power  of  envy, 
nor  a  pretence  to  impeach  the  probity,  which  he 
means  to  preserve  even  in  the  grave  to  which 
tyranny  consigns  him. 

LoED  NoRBuuY.  "  You  proceed  to  unwarrantable  lengths 
in  order  to  exasperate  or  delude  the  unwary,  and  circulate  opi- 
nions of  the  most  dangerous  tendency,  for  the  purposes  of  mis- 
chief." 

Again  I  say,  that  what  I  have  spoken,  was  not 
intended  for  your  lordships,  whose  situation  I  com- 
miserate rather  than  envy — my  expressions  were 
for  my  countrymen;  if  there  is  a  true  Irishman 
present,  let  my  last  words  cheer  him  in  the  hour  of 
affliction — 

LoKD  NoRBURT.  "  What  you  have  hitherto  said,  confirms 
and  justifies  the  verdict  of  the  jury." 

I  have  always  understood  it  to  be  the  duty  of  a 
judge,  when  a  prisoner  has  been  convicted,  to  pro- 
nounce the  sentence  of  the  law  ;  I  have  also  under- 
stood that  judges  sometimes  think  it  their  duty  to 
hear  with  patience,  and  to  speak  with  humanity ; 
to  exhort  the  victim  of  the  laws,  and  to  offer  with 
tender  benignity  his  opinions  of  the  motives  by 
which  he  was  actuated  in  the  crime,  of  which  he 
had  been  adjudged  guilty ;  that  a  judge  has  thought 
it  his  duty  so  to  have  done,  I  have  no  doubt — but 
where  is  the  boasted  freedom  of  your  institutions, 
where  is  the  vaunted  impartiality,  clemency,  and 
mildness  of  your  courts  of  justice;  if  an  unfortunate 
prisoner,  whom  your  policy,  not  pure  justice,  is 
about  to  deliver  into  the  hands  of  the  executioner, 
is  not  suffered  to  explain  his  motives  sincerely  and 


101 

truly,  and  to  vindicate  the  principles  by  which  he 
was  actuated? 

My  lords,  it  may  be  a  part  of  the  system  of 
angry  justice,  to  bow  a  man's  mind  by  humiliation 
to  the  purposed  ignominy  of  the  scaffold ;  but 
worse  to  me  than  the  purposed  shame,  or  the 
scaffold's  terrors,  would  be  the  shame  of  such  foul 
and  unfounded  imputations  as  have  been  laid  against 
me  in  this  court.  You,  my  lord,  are  a  judge,  I  am 
the  supposed  culprit ;  I  am  a  man,  you  are  a  man 
also ;  by  a  revolution  of  power,  we  might  change 
places,  though  we  never  could  change  characters ; 
if  I  stand  at  the  bar  of  this  court,  and  dare  not 
vindicate  my  character,  what  a  farce  is  your  justice  ? 
If  I  stand  at  this  bar,  and  dare  not  vindicate  my 
character,  how  dare  you  calumniate  it  ?  Does  the 
sentence  of  death  which  your  unhallowed  policy 
inflicts  on  my  body,  also  condemn  my  tongue  to 
silence,  and  my  reputation  to  reproach  ?  Your 
executioner  may  abridge  the  period  of  my  existence, 
but  while  I  exist,  I  shall  not  forbear  to  vindicate 
my  character  and  motives  from  your  aspersions;  as 
a  man  to  whom  fame  is  dearer  than  life,  I  will 
make  the  last  use  of  that  life  in  doing  justice  to 
that  reputation  which  is  to  live  after  me,  and  which 
is  the  only  legacy  I  can  leave  to  those  I  honour 
and  love,  and  for  whom  I  am  proud  to  perish.  As 
men,  my  lord,  we  must  appear  on  the  great  day,  at 
one  common  tribunal,  and  it  will  then  remain  for 
the  Searcher  of  all  hearts  to  show  a  collective  uni- 
verse who  was  engaged  in  the  most  virtuous  actions, 
or  actuated  by  the  purest  motives — my  country's 
oppressors  or — 

Lord  Norbury.     "  LLsten,  sir,  to  the  sentence  of  the  law." 

My  lord — shall  a  dying  man  be  denied  the  legal 
privilege  of  exculpating  himself,  in  the  eyes  of  the 
community,  of  an  undeserved  reproach  thrown  upon 
him  during  his  trial,  by  charging  him  with  ambi- 
tion, and  attempting  to  cast  away  for  a  paltry  con- 

9* 


102 

sideration  the  liberties  of  his  country  ?  Why  did 
your  lordship  insult  me?  or  rather  why  insult  jus- 
tice, in  demanding  of  me  why  sentence  of  death 
should  not  be  pronounced  ?  I  know,  my  lord,  that 
form  prescribes  that  you  should  ask  the  question ; 
the  form  also  presumes  a  right  of  answering  !  This 
no  doubt  may  be  dispensed  with — and  so  might  the 
whole  ceremony  of  the  trial,  since  sentence  was 
already  pronounced  at  the  castle  before  your  jury 
was  impannelled.  Your  lordships  are  but  the 
priests  of  the  oracle,  and  I  submit  to  the  sacrifice ; 
but  I  insist  on  the  whole  of  the  forms. 

Lord  Norbury.     ''You  may  proceed,  sir." 

I  am  charged  with  being  an  emissary  of  France. 
An  emissary  of  France  !  And  for  what  end  ?  It 
is  alleged  that  I  wished  to  sell  the  independence  of 
my  country  !  And  for  what  end?  Was  this  the 
object  of  my  ambition  ?  And  is  this  the  mode  by 
which  a  tribunal  of  justice  reconciles  contradiction  ? 
No,  I  am  no  emissary;  my  ambition  was  to  hold  a 
place  among  the  deliverers  of  my  country;  not  in 
power,  not  in  profit,  but  in  the  glory  of  the  ac)iieve- 
ment !  Sell  my  country's  independence  to  France  ! 
And  for  what  ?  a  change  of  masters  ?  No !  but  for 
ambition !  0,  my  country,  was  it  personal  ambi- 
tion that  influenced  me,  had  it  been  the  soul  of  my 
actions,  could  I  not  by  my  education  and  fortune, 
by  the  rank  and  consideration  of  my  family,  have 
placed  myself  amongst  the  proudest  of  your  oppres- 
sors ?  My  country  was  ray  idol.  To  it  I  sacrificed 
every  selfish,  every  endearing  sentiment;  and  for 
it,  I  now  offer  up  my  life.  0  God !  No,  my  lord  ; 
I  acted  as  an  Irishman,  determined  on  delivering 
his  country  from  the  yoke  of  a  foreign  and  unre- 
lenting tyranny,  and  from  the  more  galling  yoke 
of  a  domestic  faction,  its  joint  partner  and  perpe- 
trator in  patricide,  whose  reward  is  the  ignominy 
of  existing  with  an  exterior  of  splendour  and  a 
consciousness  of  depravity.     It  was    the    wish  of 


103 

my  heart  to  extricate  my  country  from  this  doubly 
rivetted  despotism.  I  wished  to  place  her  inde- 
pendence beyond  the  reach  of  any  power  on  earth  ; 
I  wished  to  exalt  her  to  that  proud  station  in  the 
world  which  Providence  had  destined  her  to  fill. 

Connection  with  France  was  indeed  intended, 
but  only  so  far  as  mutual  interest  would  sanction 
or  require.  Were  they  to  assume  any  authority 
inconsistent  with  the  purest  independence,  it  would 
be  the  signal  for  their  destruction;  we  sought  aid, 
and  we  sought  it  as  we  had  assurances  we  should 
obtain  it ;  as  auxiliaries  in  war,  and  allies  in  peace. 

Were  the  French  to  come  as  invaders  or  enemies, 
uninvited  by  the  wishes  of  the  people,  I  should 
oppose  them  to  the  utmost  of  my  strength.  Yes, 
my  countrymen  !  I  should  advise  you  to  meet  them 
on  the  beach,  with  a  sword  in  one  hand  and  a  torch 
in  the  other;  I  would  meet  them  with  all  the 
destructive  fury  of  war;  and  I  would  animate  my 
countrymen  to  immolate  them  in  their  boats,  before 
they  had  contaminated  the  soil  of  my  country.  If 
they  succeeded  in  landing,  and  if  forced  to  retire 
before  superior  discipline,  I  would  dispute  every 
inch  of  ground,  rase  every  house,  burn  every  blade 
of  grass,  the  last  spot  on  which  the  hope  of  freedom 
should  desert  me,  there  would  I  hold,  and  the  last 
intrenchment  of  liberty  should  be  my  grave.  What 
I  could  not  do  myself,  in  my  fall,  I  should  leave  as 
a  last  charge  to  my  countrymen  to  accomplish  ; 
because  I  should  feel  conscious  that  life  any  more 
than  death,  is  dishonourable,  when  a  foreign  nation 
holds  my  country  in  subjection. 

But  it  was  not  as  an  enemy  that  the  succours  of 
France  were  to  land.  I  looked  indeed  for  the 
assistance  of  France.  I  wished  to  prove  to  France 
and  to  the  world,  that  Irishmen  deserve  to  be 
assisted!  That  they  were  indignant  at  slavery, 
and  ready  to  assert  the  independence  and  liberty 
of  their  country. 

I  wished  to  procure  for  my  country  the  guarantee 


104 

which  WASHINGTON  procured  for  America. 
To  procure  an  aid,  which  would  by  its  example  be 
as  important  as  its  valour ;  disciplined,  gallant, 
pregnant  with  science  and  with  experience  ;  allies 
who  could  perceive  the  good,  and,  in  our  collision, 
polish  the  rough  points  of  our  character ;  they 
would  come  to  us  as  strangers,  and  leave  us  as 
friends,  after  sharing  in  our  perils  and  elevating 
our  destiny.  My  objects  were  not  to  receive  new 
task-masters,  but  to  expel  old  tyrants;  these  were 
my  views,  and  these  only  become  Irishmen.  It 
was  for  these  ends  I  sought  aid  from  France ; 
because  France,  even  as  an  enemy  could  not  be 
more  implacable  than  the  enemy  already  in  the 
bosom  of  my  country. 

Lord  Norbury.  *'  You  are  making  an  avowal  of  dreadful 
treasons,  and  of  a  determined  purpose  to  have  persevered  in 
them,  which  I  do  believe  has  astonished  your  audience." 

I  have  been  charged  with  that  importance  in  the 
efforts  to  emancipate  my  country,  as  to  be  consi- 
dered the  keystone  of  the  combination  of  Irishmen, 
or,  as  your  lordship  expressed  it,  "  the  life  and 
blood  of  the  conspiracy."  You  do  me  honour  over 
much!  You  have  given  to  the  subaltern  all  the 
credit  of  a  superior  !  There  are  men  engaged  in 
this  conspiracy,  who  are  not  only  superior  to  me, 
but  even  to  your  own  conception  of  yourself,  my 
lord;  men,  before  the  splendour  of  whose  genius 
and  virtues,  I  should  bow  with  respectful  deference, 
and  who  would  think  themselves  dishonoured  to  be 
called  your  friends — who  would  not  disgrace  them- 
selves by  shaking  your  bloodstained  hands — 

Lord  Norbury.  *'  You  have  endeavored  to  establish  a 
wicked  and  bloody  provisional  government." 

What,  my  lord  !  shall  you  tell  me,  on  the  passage 
to  that  scaffold  to  which  that  tyranny,  of  which 
you  are  only  the  intermediary  executioner,  has 
erected  for  my  murder,  that  I  am  accountable  for 
all  the  blood  that  has  been,  and  will  be,  shed  in  this 


105 

struggle  of  the  oppressed  against  th^  oppressor, 
shall  you  tell  me  this — and  must  I  be  so  ve7'y  a 
slave  as  not  to  repel  it  ? 

LoKD  NoRBiTRT.  "  A  different  conduct  -u-ould  have  better 
become  one  who  had  endeavoured  to  overthrow  the  laws  and 
liberties  of  his  country." 

I  who  fear  not  to  approach  the  Omnipotent 
Judge,  to  answer  for  the  conduct  of  my  whole  life ; 
am  I  to  be  appalled  and  falsified  by  a  mere  rem- 
nant of  mortality  here  ?  By  you  too,  who,  if  it 
were  possible  to  collect  all  the  innocent  blood  that 
you  have  shed  in  your  unhallowed  ministry,  in  one 
great  reservoir,  your  lordship  m.ight  swim  in  it. 

Lord  Norbuby.  "  I  exhort  you  not  to  depart  this  life  with 
such  sentiments  of  rooted  hostility  to  your  country  as  those 
which  you  have  expressed." 

Let  no  man  dare,  when  I  am  dead,  to  charge  me 
with  dishonour  ;  let  no  man  attaint  my  memory  by 
believing  that  I  could  have  engaged  in  any  cause 
but  that  of  my  country's  liberty  and  independence ; 
or  that  I  could  have  become  the  pliant  minion  of 
power  in  the  oppression  or  the  miseries  of  my  coun- 
trymen. The  proclamation  of  the  provisional  gov- 
erment,  speaks  for  my  views;  no  inference  can  be 
tortured  from  it  to  countenance  barbarity  or  de- 
basement at  home,  or  subjection,  or  humiliation,  or 
treachery  from  abroad ;  1  would  not  have  submitted 
to  a  foreign  oppressor  for  the  same  reason  that  I 
would  resist  the  domestic  tyrant.  In  the  dignity 
of  freedom  I  would  have  fought  upon  the  threshold 
of  my  country,  and  its  enemy  should  enter  only  by 
passing  over  my  lifeless  corpse.  And  am  I,  who 
lived  but  for  my  country,  who  have  subjected 
myself  to  the  dangers  of  the  jealous  and  watchful 
oppressor,  and  now  to  the  bondage  of  the  grave, 
only  to  give  my  countrymen  their  rights,  and  my 
country  her  independence,  to  be  loaded  with 
calumny,  and  not  suffered  to  resent  it. — No,  God 
forbid ! 

If  the  spirits  of  the  illustrious  dead  participate 


106 

in  the  concerns  and  cares  of  those  who  were  dear 
to  them  in  this  transitory  life — 0  ever  dear  and 
venerated  shade  of  my  departed  father,  look  down 
with  scrutiny  upon  the  conduct  of  your  suffering 
son ;  and  see  if  I  have,  even  for  a  moment,  deviated 
from  those  principles  of  morality  and  patriotism 
which  it  was  your  care  to  instil  into  my  youthful 
mind;  and  for  which  I  am  now  to  offer  up  my  life. 
My  lords,  you  seem  impatient  for  the  sacrifice — 
the  blood  for  which  you  thirst  is  not  congealed  by 
the  artificial  terrors  which  surround  your  victim ; 
[Mr.  Emmet  was  here  referring  to  the  soldiery  by 
which  the  Sessions  House  was  filled  and  surrounded] 
it  circulates  warmly  and  unruffled,  through  the 
channels  which  God  created  for  nobler  purposes, 
but  which  you  are  bent  to  destroy,  for  purposes  so 
grievous  that  they  cry  to  heaven.  Be  yet  patient ! 
I  have  but  a  few  words  more  to  say — I  am  going 
to  my  cold  and  silent  grave :  my  lamp  of  life  is 
nearly  extinguished :  my  race  is  run :  the  grave 
opens  to  receive  me,  and  I  sink  into  its  bosom  !  I 
have  but  one  request  to  ask  at  my  departure  from 
this  world,  it  is  the  charity  of  its  silence  !  Let  no 
man  write  my  epitaph,  for  as  no  man  who  knows 
my  motives  dare  now  vindicate  them ;  let  not  pre- 
judice nor  ignorance  asperse  them.  Let  them,  and 
me,  repose  in  obscurity  and  peace,  and  my  tomb 
remain  uninscribed,  until  other  times,  and  other 
men,  can  do  justice  to  my  character.  When  my 
country  takes  her  place  among  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  then — and  not  till  then — let  my  epitaph  be 
written — I  have  done. 


Lord  Norbury  immediately  pronounced  sentence  of  death  in 
the  usual  form.  Mr.  Emmet  was  reconducted  to  prison,  and 
the  next  day  he  was  publicly  executed  in  Thomas  street. 


107 

Brave  Russel*  fell,  the  bravest  of  the  brave, 

In  trying  his  might  to  liquidate  the  slave, 

The  false  hyena, f  or  ferocious  beast. 

Would  much  enlarge  and  solemnize  his  feast. 

Whene'er  he  captur'd  his  unlucky  prey. 

By  all  such  acts  did  consecrate  the  day ; 

That  imp  is  now,  for  all  his  crimes  and  stains, 

Where  devils  wrangle,  and  confusion  reigns ; 

And  his  old  friend,|  that  vile,  detested  fan, 

A  tool,  a  minion,  and  the  meanest  man. 

To  make  things  even,  and  bring  up  the  rear. 

And  prove  there  dwell  congenial  spirits  there ; 

As  none  could  fill  a  niche  if  vacant  be. 

Than  Captain  Ryan  for  his  great  loyalty, 

Ah  !  give  a  place  to  the  unholy  three. 

For  Pitt  and  'Reagh  could  no  distinction  claim. 

When  once  therein  they  were  esteemed  the  same  ; 

Since  angels  fell,  thro'  a  rebellious  pride, 

A  group,  as  such,  did  not  in  hell  abide. 

Ah  !  Castlereagh,  ne'er  made  a  noble  act ; — 

I  speak  the  truth,  and  certify  the  fact ; 

But  only  one,  and  that  I  sing  by  note. 

When  Satan  urg'd  the  villain  cut  his  throat. 

0  !  mighty  Thrasher  do  the  fiend  assail, 

And  do  him  justice  with  your  iron  flail. 

Sisyphus  is  determin'd,  strong  and  tall, 

0  keep  him  under  where  the  stone  will  fall. 

As  Pitt  and  he,  and  all  their  saints  will  fit. 

The  loathsome  dungeons  of  that  hellish  pit. 

George  IV.  ascended  the  throne  of  England 
immediately  after  his  father's  death,  which  hap- 
pened on  the  29th  of  January,  1820.  The  old 
king  lived  eighty-two  years  and  reigned  sixty. 
When  George  the  Fourth  was  placed  as  sovereign 
on  the  throne,  both  Catholics  and  Protestants 
expected  better  times,  but  such  expectations  turned 
out  to  be  an  abortion,  and  all  pretensions  a  hum- 
bug.    The  king  shortly  after  his  coronation,  landed 

*  Russel  of  Belfast.  f  Major  Sir.  %  Major  Swan. 


108 

in  Ireland,  and  was  decorated  all  over  with  beau- 
tiful Shamrocks  and  such  like  empty,  fantastic 
arrangements  to  gain  the  applause  and  veneration 
of  the  Irish.  All  duplicity,  his  friend  and  tool  in 
all  political  perversions,  accompanied  him.  Castle- 
reagh,  the  celebrated  barber,  and  vindictive  self- 
murderer,  the  man  who  impoverished  his  country 
by  his  unjust  and  perverted  legislation  :  still,  he 
had  the  temerity  of  visiting  that  country  in  com- 
pany with  his  sovereign. 

The  old  king  died,  when  feeble,  old  and  gray, 

And  few  tho'  good,  for  him  were  found  to  pray  ; 

Tho'  long  he  liv'd,  a  longer  still  he'd  fain, 

Yet  sixty  years  had  lengthen'd  out  his  reign  ; 

During  his  reign,  he  sacrific'd  more  lives 

Without  compassion  for  their  widowed  wives, 

Than  any  one  that  ever  reign'd  before  ; 

Ah !  Bess  excepted,  the  infernal  whore ! 

At  his  demise,  his  friends  but  lightly  mourn'd  ; 

He  was  but  dust,  and  unto  dust  return'd. 

As  usual,  then,  the  nobles  did  prepare, 

To  place  the  sovereign  in  the  royal  chair ; 

Great  hopes  were  held,  that  he  would  soon  restore 

The  things,  neglected  by  the  kings  before. 

The  rich  man,  felt  secure  in  all  he  had ; 

The  poor,  expected  to  be  better  clad ; 

He  stopp'd  at  nothing  to  increase  his  pelf. 

And  car'd  for  none  but  for  the  king  himself. 

In  manhood's  sphere,  he  thought  it  prudent  then, 

To  take  a  wife,  the  same  as  other  men, 

And  had  conceiv'd  it  a  judicious  plan, 

As  marriage  often  regulates  the  man. 

For  he  had  been,  if  I  do  not  mistake, 

A  wild,  unsettled  and  licentious  rake. 

The  jolly  prince  espied  a  lady*  fair, 

And  view'd  her  charms  with  an  assiduous  care  ; 

*  Lady  Fitzherbert,  the  ■widow  of  Colonel  Fitzherbert,  an 
Irish  Catholic,  who  had  been  then  considered  the  Helen  of  her 
sex,  and  the  Catholic  Bishop  who  married  them,  was  forced  to 
fly  to  France  after  the  consnminatinn  of  ihe  marringe. 


109 

He  lov'd  her  dearly  as  he  did  his  soul, 

And  love's  a  passion  we  cannot  control ; 

The  law  annull'd,  and  that  he  understood, 

Unless  the  consort  were  of  royal  blood, 

The  marriage  bonds  and  matrimonial  rites, 

A  law  concocted  by  the  modern  lights, 

Tho'  she  had  grace,  and  less  of  human  stains. 

And  nobler  blood  than  he  had  in  his  veins. 

The  Church  of  Rome  had  made  them  man  and  wife, 

As  each  preferr'd  it  to  a  single  life; 

The  English  laws  the  marriage  bonds  untied, 

And  said  that  Rome  and  our  Redeemer  lied. 

The  bands  dissolved,  the  King  at  large  had  been, 

Until  his  nobles  did  provide  a  queen, 

Which  they  soon  did,  and  tied  him  o'er  again, 

And  gave  him  license  for  committing  sin. 

0  !  what  great  feats  the  English  Church  can  do, 

And  what  a  farce  was  her  creation  too  ; 

That  royal  marriage  I  need  not  define, 

But  say  his  queen  had  been  Queen  Caroline, 

Whom  he  compell'd  to  fly  the  realm  and  state, 

Which  caus'd  her  woes  and  hurried  on  her  fate ; 

Perhaps  his  conscience  had  condemn'd  the  law. 

As  his  last  marriage  was  not  worth  a  straw. 

Who  gave  them  power  to  untie  or  marry  ? 

It  must  be  Luther,  or  old  wicked  Harry ; 

Eor  higher  power  left  them  in  the  lurch. 

And  gave  no  aid  to  sanctify  their  church. 

That  church  must  fall,  it  has  no  solid  base. 

As  Kate  and  Anne,*  are  chisel'd  on  its  face. 

The  queen  soon  died,  and  he  play'd  well  his  game, 

To  ruin  her  conduct  and  destroy  her  fame. 

She  died  of  grief,  unheeded  and  forlorn. 

By  foes  tormented,  and  by  anguish  torn ; 

*  Kate  or  Catherine  De  Borea,  was  a  professed  nnn,  -whom 
Luther  seduced  from  her  state  of  innocence  and  made  her  vio- 
late her  obligations  to  her  God  Anne  Boylen,  the  daughter  and 
■wife  of  Henry  the  Eighth  ;  the  seduction,  or  I  should  say,  the 
prostitution  of  these  two  -women,  were  the  foundation  of  all 
lieresy. 

10 


110 

But  one  lone  line  identified  her  fate, 

And  that  was  written  on  a  silver  plate ; 

The  man  that  wrote  it  cannot  say  he  lied, 

As  he  inscribed  it  without  pomp  or  pride. 

It  read  as  thus,  how  simple,  plain  and  brief, — 

*'  The  royal  Queen  of  England  died  of  grief." 

Such  was  the  case,  and  England  bears  a  stain, 

That  will  forever  on  her  face  remain. 

To  calm  the  rage  of  all  his  subjects  then, 

Many  of  whom  were  conscientious  men, 

0 !  what  a  farce,  the  king  went  all  the  rounds. 

And  claim'd  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  pounds 

Per  year,  for  her,  that  he  before  alleg'd 

Had  been  unfaithful  to  his  royal  bed  ; 

The  sum  he  got,  but  now  you  will  perceive. 

But  not  a  cent  of  it,  did  she  receive. 

Grim  death  was  summon'd  that  amount  to  pay, 

And  when  she  died:   0  !  what  a  glorious  day  ! 

Think  now,  my  friends,  but  be  ye  not  unkind, 

Did  that  round  sun  assist  the  lords  behind  ? 

The  king  and  nobles  feasted  without  bounds, 

And  empty  goblets  seldom  yielded  sounds ; 

Grim  death  o'er  joys  oft  cast  a  sable  pall, 

The  queen's  caus'd  nothing  of  the  kind  at  all. 

The  king,  however,  was  advanc'd  in  years — 

His  eyes  were  hard  and  had  no  room  for  tears, 

Tho'  he,  dear  man,  and  his  polluted  court, 

Had  spent  some  months  in  some  amusing  sport ; 

Another  debt  of  a  stupendous  weight — 

Which  sunk  the  crown  and  caus'd  a  dire  debate ; 

No  clue  was  left,  the  payment  to  evade, 

No  acts  were  pass'd,  or  to  that  purpose  made. 

0  !  what  a  happy  and  successful  chance. 

That  paid  the  debt,  and  paid  it  all  at  once. 

Napoleon  died  of  some  disease  unknown, 

And  British  statesmen  made  no  grievous  moan, 

Some  conjecture  he  received  a  dose 

From  his  new  keepers  and  vindictive  foes. 

Poor  sinful  man  too  oft  betrays  himself, 

For  the  enjoyment  of  corrupting  pelf. 


Ill 

The  king  was  hurl'd  from  his  earthly  stage, 

The  wreck  of  folly  and  declining  age. 

Before  his  death,  O'Connell  shook  the  throne, 

And  put  new  life  in  every  idle  drone ; 

Convulsive  fits  disorganis'd  the  whole, 

When  Dan  was  foremost  at  the  Irish  pole. 

The  Irish  will  undoubtedly  declare, 

The  brave,  unflinching,  gallant  men  of  Clare, 

Had  hurl'd  Dan  into  the  lion's  den. 

The  strongest,  bravest,  and  the  best  of  men. 

When  he  stood  up  for  his  unerring  creed, 

'Gainst  Harry's  imps  and  Luther's  branded  breed. 

And  pass'd  his  bill  in  spite  of  lordly  pranks. 

As  Peel  and  Wellington  had  join'd  his  ranks. 

The  noble  patriot  had  enroU'd  his  name. 

In  spite  of  faction  on  the  page  of  fame. 

On  the  29th  of  April,  1829,  the  Catholic  Eman- 
cipation Bill  was  carried  by  Peel  in  the  House  of 
Commons,  with  a  tremendous  majority,  and  on  the 
same  day,  the  Duke  of  Wellington  carried  the  bill 
in  the  House  of  Lords  with  alacrity  and  unbounded 
acclammation,  and  all  that  triumph  was  accom- 
plished by  the  indefatigable  zeal  and  exertions  of 
Daniel  O'Connell,  and  on  the  same  day  it  received 
the  royal  assent;  the  dissolution  of  George  the 
IV.  took  place  shortly  after  the  bill  received  the 
royal  approbation ;  he  had  been  confined  previous 
to  his  death,  during  two  years,  in  a  perfect  state 
of  obscurity,  as  his  approximation  seemed  offensive, 
even  to  his  friends  and  admirers.  In  fact,  his  con- 
dition rendered  him  unapproachable,  his  officials 
excepted,  and  they  approached  only  on  certain 
occasions  ;  and  it  is  reported  he  became  even  dis- 
gusting to  himself,  corpulency,  age,  disease  and 
infirmity,  left  him  in  that  deplorable  condition,  a 
combination  capable  of  prostrating  pomp,  royalty 
and  power.  The  King  died  at  the  advanced  age 
of  sixty-eight  years,  after  a  short  reign  of  ten 
.     The  Duke  of  Clarence,  the  third  son  of 


112 

George  TIL,  ascended  the  throne  of  England  as 
"William  IV.,  in  July,  1830.  Historians  say  much 
to  his  advantage,  and  give  him  more  credit  for 
honor  and  veracity,  than  to  his  predecessor.  He 
was  head  of  the  navy  a  long  time  before  his  eleva- 
tion. His  reign  lasted  only  seven  years,  and, 
therefore,  requires  no  elaborate  investigation. 

The  illustrious  chief*  of  an  illustrious  race. 
Who  ably  handled  ev'ry  knotty  case, 
Stood  forth  indeed,  with  animated  zeal, 
And  call'd  on  all  to  agitate  repeal. 
Repeal !  repeal  !  the  vultures  did  confound, 
And  nobles  trembl'd  at  the  daring  sound, 
No  threatening  laws,  or  no  official  spy. 
Could  then  defeat  the  bold  repealer's  cry. 
The  Iron  Duke  who  held  the  reigns  of  state. 
As  being  convinced  of  his  approaching  fate ; 
"When  in  the  shade  and  could  not  find  his  way, 
He  .gave  the  reigns  to  the  aspirant  gray, 
Who  call'd  a  council  to  acquire  applause. 
And  yield  obedience  to  reforming  laws. 
The  whigs  then  met  to  renovate  the  laws. 
And  prune  with  prudence  each  defective  clause  ; 
They  rul'd  the  kingdom  with  judicious  fear. 
And  left  the  tories  to  enjoy  the  rear. 
The  lords  and  commons  caus'd  a  great  alarm 
About  repeal,  and  otherwise  reform. 
And  so  continu'd  the  tumultuous  spring 
'Till  life  departed  from  the  reigning  King. 

King  William  IV.  died  on  the  20th  of  June, 
1837,  in  the  seventy-third  year  of  his  age,  and  the 
seventh  of  his  reign ;  shortly  after  his  death, 
Victoria,  the  daughter  of  the  Duke  of  Kent, 
ascended  the  throne,  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  her 
age.  Her  elevation  was  sanctioned  by  the  uni- 
versal approbation  of  all  her  subjects.  The  pomp, 
the  grandeur,  the  expenses  and  dignity  that 
^  O'Connell. 


113 

attended  her  coronation  had  been  considered 
inimitable,  and  such  as  never  attended  the  corona- 
tion of  any  of  her  predecessors  ;  and  the  most 
celebrated  pen  would  grovel  in  description,  which 
leaves  me  without  the  least  pretension  to  illustra- 
tion. The  whigs  were  still  in  possession  of 
supremacy. 

The  Queen  ascended  England's  lofty  throne, 

And  proudly  claimed  it  as  by  right  her  own  ; 

Not  like  Queen  Bess,  that  vile  polluted  case, 

Whose  wanton  acts  debauch'd  the  royal  place. 

Victoria  sits,  and  nobly  sits  to  shine, 

A  Royal  sovereign  and  a  whole  divine, 

Who'd  guard  her  subjects  with  surpassing  care, 

If  bad  advisers  did  not  interfere. 

Men  who'd  curb  with  a  malicious  spleen, 

The  best  intentions  of  the  wisest  queen, 

The  tories  met,  determin'd  to  oppose 

Their  rival  friends,  or  otherwise  their  foes. 

The  whigish  chief  had  left  a  vacant  space. 

And  tory  Peel  had  fiU'd  the  noble  place ; 

Yet,  this  had  been  of  short  duration,  too, 

As  you  will  hear,  but  read  the  story  through ; 

Peel  had  made  all  due  arrangements  then. 

To  call  a  council  of  the  wisest  men — 

And  that  he  did  with  a  judicious  skill, 

To  please  himself  and  please  his  sovereign's  will ; 

The  whigs  were  all  dislodg'd,  and  sent  adrift, 

Which  made  for  tories  a  commodious  shift. 

Except  two  maids*  of  honor  and  renown. 

The  queen's  attendants  since  she  wore  the  crown ; 

They,  she  said,  could  never  be  remov'd, 

Because  her  person  they  revered  and  lov'd — 

But  Peel  insisted  he'd  resign  his  care, 

Unless  his  choice  had  been  admitted  there  ; 

Still,  all  in  vain,  the  queen  had  pledg'd  her  word. 

And  that  indeed  had  touch'd  the  sacred  chord — 

*  Two  raaids,  the  Marchioness  of  Normandy  and  the  Duchess 
Sutherland,  her  two  favorites  of  all  her  maids  of  honor. 

10* 


114 

Then  Peel  suspected  his  immediate  fall, 
As  she  was  sovereign  and  was  queen  of  all ; 
When  he  conceiv'd  they  would  control  the  most, 
He  thought  it  prudent  to  resign  his  post ; 
The  whigs  again  with  one  elastic  bound, 
From  the  low  valley  reach'd  the  highest  ground, 
And  then  consulted  in  a  close  debate 
Some  mode  unerring  to  protect  the  state — 
To  frame  some  measure  that  would  interpose 
Between  themselves  and  avaricious  foes, 
Who  work'd  so  hard  for  their  immediate  fall, 
And  their  subversion  if  they  could  at  all. 
As  old  materials  can't  effect  a  change, 
Or  solve  a  problem  that  is  mighty  strange. 
The  whigs  were  strenuous  to  support  the  cause, 
And  tories  labor'd  to  obscure  their  laws — 
The  strife  continued  for  the  loaves  and  fishes, 
For  flowing  goblets  and  delicious  dishes; 
Yet,  neither  party,  neither  said  nor  spoke, 
We'll  free  the  Irish  from  their  galling  yoke — 
But  ev'ry  act,  the  parties  could  command. 
Was  put  in  force  to  desolate  the  land. 
Again  the  tories  did  ascend  on  high, — [1841.] 
And  made  the  whigs  from  Mount  Olympus  fly ; 
They  prun'd  the  laws,  without  amendment  there. 
And  rode  Pegasus  thro'  the  ether  air — 
They  rul'd  conspicuous  on  that  lofty  stage, 
With  Peel  as  guide — the  venerable  sao;e — 
There  Peel,  a  statesman  of  the  highest  grade. 
Had  prob'd  their  errors  with  the  keenest  blade, 
And  took  at  once  a  comprehensive  view 
Of  all  they  did,  and  all  he  had  to  do — 
Display'd  a  rich  imagination  then. 
To  all  sound,  thinking  and  unerring  men, 
AVhile  brave  O'Connell  did  sustain  the  whigs, 
They  ably  parried  all  the  tory  rigs — 
But  when  deserted  by  the  Irish  chief. 
Their  reign  was  short  and  independence  brief; 
For  ten  long  years  they  did  possess  the  place, 
'Till  mere  corruption  brought  them  to  disgrace ; 


115 

Tho'  active  viles  may  last  awhile  unseen, 

They'll  be  detected  by  sagacious  men ; 

Ah !  once  detected,  every  vile  retires, 

And  unlamented  in  the  shade  expires. 

Sage  Peel  dissected  every  clause  they  made, 

And  had  his  own  on  strong  foundation  laid. 

Tho'  England  yielded  some  concession,  yet 

She  fell  behind  of  the  enormous  debt 

She  ow'd  to  Ireland,  and  that  pillag'd  race 

"Whom  God  protected  with  his  holy  grace. 

But,  sure  as  he  is  holy,  wise  and  true, 

She'll  pay  the  whole  and  pay  the  interest  too. 

'Tis  not  prophetical,  I  use  the  phrase — 

Poor  Ireland  soon  will  see  some  happy  days. 

She'll  tune  her  harp  within  each  native  bow'r. 

Beyond  the  reach  of  an  infernal  pow'r — 

And  that  ere  long,  tho'  strange  it  may  appear, 

To  those  who  read  with  an  attentive  ear. 

Can  wicked  rulers  long  enjoy  the  sway  ? 

They  are  as  chaff  in  the  Almighty's  way. 

At  earthly  pleasures  we  would  loudly  hiss, 

If  we'd  compare  them  to  eternal  bliss. 

Peel  tried  his  art  to  navigate  or  drown, 

The  boisterous  surges  that  oppos'd  the  crown  ; 

His  ship  was  strong,  and  had  a  splendid  keel, 

With  which  he  thought  to  counteract  repeal ; 

Still  all  in  vain,  wherever  he  could  steer, 

The  word  repeal  was  ringing  in  his  ear. 

He  lower'd  his  sail,  as  he  then  clearly  saw, 

That  nought  could  do  but  an  accursed  law, 

Which  he  could  frame  conclusively  and  brief. 

And  Satan's  heirs  would  soon  condemn  the  chief. 

Nothing  else  could  stop  the  fearful  noise — 

Of  men,  of  women,  and  rebellious  boys, 

Who  cry'd  aloud  in  their  excessive  zeal, 

Repeal !  Repeal !  and  nothing  but  repeal ! 

Such  frightful  sounds  would  start  old  wicked  Harry, 

Or  make  perhaps  our  gracious  Queen  miscarry. 

Such  was  the  case,  they  put  the  law  in  force, 

And  such  was  always  their  relieving  source. 


116 

The  chief  had  been  indicted  with  his  friends, 

By  heartless,  soulless,  and  audacious  fiends, 

Who  pack'd  a  jury  of  Satanic  stock, 

Would  swear  a  hole  a-through  a  butcher's  block  ; 

That  they  had  trespass  d  on  the  British  laws, 

And  found  them  guilty  for  that  very  cause. 

Not  one  of  them,  tho'  men  of  some  renown, 

But  damn'd  himself  to  satisfy  the  crown. 

No  mercy  found,  no  language  could  avail, 

And  doomed  they  were  to  lie   in  Richmond  jail, 

May  30th,  1845. 
O'Connell  then  before  a  pompous  crowd. 
With  due  submission  to  the  sentence  bow'd. 
And  had  declar'd  with  a  determined  tone. 
That  great  injustice  to  himself  was  shown ; 
And  to  his  friends  who  unconnected  were, 
AVith  that  foul  charge  or  any  such  affair. 
But  soulless  men  who  panted  for  renown  ; 
And  some  remittance  from  the  British  crown, 
That  did  set  forth  their  artificial  zeal, 
In  hopes  to  cancel  or  suppress  repeal ; 
And  that  they'll  know,  and  to  their  own  disgrace. 
When  honest  men  investigate  the  case. 
The  Irish  chief  then  put  himself  in  gears. 
And  tried  the  case  before  the  house  of  Peers, 
Who  scan'd  the  whole  and  prob'd  it  inch  by  inch. 
To  weigh  the  candor  of  the  Irish  bench — 
Which  they  condemn'd  and  did  at  once  declare, 
'Twas  all  a  farce  and  a  delusive  snare. 
The  perjur'd  judges  trembl'd  ev'ry  soul, 
When  they  got  word  to  liberate  the  whole. 
The  patriots  free,  repealers  rent  the  air. 
And  perjur'd  judges  justly  felt  their  chair. 
Kepealers  hurl'd  with  avengeful  spleen, 
Their  imprecations  on  these  wicked  men  ; 
Denounc'd  the  bench  and  its  unright'ous  laws. 
And  pray'd  for  all  who  suffer'd  in  the  cause. 
A  chief  distinguished  in  repealing  ranks. 
To  whom  are  due  a  million  of  our  thanks — 


117 

A  blazing  comet*  of  Milesian  race, 
Who  has  been  banish'd  from  his  native  place, 
Asserted  thus  to  ev'ry  English  elf, 
Who  robb'd  his  country  for  the  sake  of  pelf, 
That  Ireland  futurly  should  rule  herself — 
And  so  she  would,  and  ev'ry  thing  should  fit, 
But  for  a  foolish  and  unlucky  split 
Among  themselves  on  their  adopted  laws, 
Which  wholly  blighted  a  devoted  cause. 
A  scheme  when  pregnant  with  disunion  falls, 
And  leaves  nou^j^ht  standino^  but  the  naked  walls. 
The  Whigs  once  more  emerging  from  the  shade. 
With  pinions  spread  some  great  gyrations  made. 
Their  leader  was  a  manf  of  selfish  views. 
Unfit  for  office  or  for  honest  use — 
A  man  unfit,  incapable  and  small, 
Not  lov'd  by  any,  but  accurs'd  by  all. 
Nor  would  he  stop  to  propagate  a  lie, 
Could  he  obtain  a  benefit  thereby. 
Nor  could  you  make  him  hesitate  or  halt, 
By  pointing  out  his  most  egregious  fault. 
He  would  not  stop  to  meditate  or  weigh — 
How  acts  atrocious  would  obscure  his  sway. 
'Twas  by  the  present  that  he  did  abide. 
And  let  the  future  for  itself  provide — 
As  truth  was  never  his  established  shield, 
It  is  no  wonder  he  was  forc'd  to  yield. 
In  the  contention  to  his  own  surprise, 
Doom'd  he  fell,  and  doom'd  no  more  to  rise ; 
A  million  died  whose  graves  are  fresh  and  red, 
Who  would  have  liv'd  if  Russell  gave  them  bread. 
0  1  Lord  of  hosts,  who  gave  us  every  rood, 
Chastise  the  tiger  who  refus'd  them  food ; 
Upset  a  throne,  left  crape  at  ev'ry  door, 
And  had  no  pity  on  the  suffering  poor — 
Reverse  their  laws  that  are  existing  still, 
And  all  oppos'd  to  the  Almighty's  will. 
Stretch  forth  thy  hand  and  give  them  ample  meed, 
And  help  thy  servants  in  the  time  of  need  ; 
*  Lord  John  Russell.  f  William  Smith  O'Brien. 


118 

Give  them  a  steward  who'll  unlock  his  door, 

Unlike  Lord  John  who  held  the  keys  before. 

Can  man  survey  that  sad  atrocious  case, 

And  look  unpitied  on  the  Irish  race  ; 

Or  can  he  feel  for  the  excessive  pains, 

The  exile  feels  in  irons  and  in  chains ; 

Or  calmly  think  on  the  oppressive  hand, 

That  drove  the  exile  from  his  native  land, 

Without  a  crime  or  any  other  cause, 

But  fredom's  champion  wanting  freedom's  laws. 

Think  on  the  chief*  that  moved  in  ev'ry  sphere. 

That  men  of  honor  and  distinction  were ; 

A  chief  made  noble  by  Milesian  ties, 

Hears  the  sad  shriek  and  to  its  succour  flies. 

Inspires  the  brave  to  dissipate  the  gloom. 

That  now  envelopes  his  paternal  doom. 

Disperse  the  mist,  engender'd  by  his  foes, 

And  clear  the  land  of  all  exotic  crows. 

Some  adverse  wind  directed  to  this  Isle, 

Full  gorg'd  with  malice  and  satanic  guile, 

That  stored  your  labour  in  their  greedy  maws. 

And  made  it  right  by  substituting  laws. 

The  most  unjust  that  satan  could  devise, 

Tho'  being  the  father  of  all  wicked  lies — 

No  moral  force  can  make  the  vultures  yield, 

And  self  protection  is  their  only  shield. 

As  thus  then  spoke,  determin'd  cool  and  brave, 

A  chief  descended  from  great  Brian  the  Brave. 

Who  pines  in  exile  from  his  native  air. 

To  catch  distemper,  or  contagion  there, 

And  moref  are  plung'd  in  that  disastrous  gloom. 

Since  heartless  judges  did  pronounce  their  doom. 

Are  link'd  with  felons  of  the  darkest  shade, 

In  loathsome  dungeons  for  that  purpose  made. 

Among  the  few  in  that  unhealthy  place. 

The  living  Cicero  of  the  Irish  race — 

*  William  Smith  O'Brien. 

t  John  Mitchell,  W.  S.  O'Brien,  O'Doherty,  Mc'Manns,  Mar 
tin  and  the  Irish  Cicero,  Meagher. 


119 

Is  now  in  chains  afar  from  Irish  aid — 
Altho'  his  fortune  is  ah-eadj  made — 
And  still  a  blessing  in  his  favour  flows, 
Which  can't  but  cure  and  mitigate  his  woes, 
The  only  balm  for  an  afflicted  life,     * 
Is  a  sweet,  comely  and  a  virtuous  wife. 
She  sooths  and  softens  all  imbitter'd  woes, 
And  milk  and  honey  in  her  accent  flows. 
She  bears  the  half  of  all  her  husband's  care, 
Relieves  his  mind  and  hides  him  from  despair. 
Tho'  that  brave  man  with  all  such  bliss  is  blest, 
There  is  a  space  still  aching  in  his  breast. 
The  thoughts  of  home,  of  Erin's  Isle  and  air, 
Will  mar  his  pleasure  while  in  bondage  there. 
And  all  the  living  will  hereafter  sigh, 
If  in  that  bondage  Meagher's  doom'd  to  die. 
For  his  great  talents,  all  with  diamonds  set, 
Might  be  of  use  to  all  the  living  yet. 

William  S.  O'Brien  is  lineally  descended  from 
Brian  Boroimhe  King  of  Munster  and  monarch  of 
all  Ireland,  and  his  forefathers  reigned  kings  of 
north  Munster,  and  with  very  little  interruption 
appointed  their  own  rulers  during  forty  generations. 
No  wonder  with  a  strong  current  of  Milesian  blood 
flowing  through  his  veins,  that  he  should  look  with 
sorrow  on  the  degraded  condition  of  his  countrymen, 
and  of  many  of  that  illustrious  race,  who  descended 
from  the  same  source,  that  he  descended  himself, 
implicated  in  the  meshes  of  an  accursed  government, 
and  that  tenderness  and  sympathy  should  impel  him 
to  make  an  effort  to  exonerate  them  from  the 
scourge  and  animosity  of  their  wicked  rulers.  After 
writing  this,  I  heard  of  the  escape  of  McManus. 

A  noble  victim  has  escap'd  from  thence. 
Without  committing  any  great  offence. 
He  left  his  shackles  to  repair  his  loss — 
Tho'  rolling  stones  will  never  gather  moss. 


1^0 

Still  off  he  mov'd  determin'd,  fearless,  bold, 

And  took  his  passage  for  the  land  of  gold. ' 

There  freemen  met  of  ev'ry  grade  and  art, 

Who  knew  his  fate  and  rais'd  his  drooping  heart, 

They'll  all  be  here  without  a  doubt  or  fear, 

Before  the  closing  of  the  present  year. 

As  this  great  Union  interfer'd  for  those, 

With  their  unfeeling  and  undying  foes. 

Comply  they  will,  they  dare  not  answer  no, 

For  John  Bull  knows  how  Uncle  Sam  can  crow. 

He  flaps  his  wings  to  vindicate  his  right — 

And  finds  no  equal  when  he  goes  to  fight. 

And  by  this  act  he  will  acquire  applause, 

For  his  abhorrence  of  atrocious  laws — 

Brave  Mitchell  comes,  the  bravest  of  the  brave, 

Who  has  a  heart,  and  has  a  soul  to  save. 

In  freedom's  home  he  cannot  feel  no  pains. 

No  throes,  no  anguish,  or  enormous  chains. 

And  here  he'll  live  distinguished  and  admir'd, 

Thinking  of  foes  and  with  resentment  fir'd, 

Forgive  he'  might,  forget  he  never  can. 

And  yet  the  Christian  interlinks  the  man ; 

They'll  all  be  here  without  a  long  delay. 

As  saints  commend  them  when  they  kneel  to  pray ; 

And  here  they'll  live,  upholding  freedom's  cause, 

And  act  obedient  to  our  glorious  laws. 

John  Russell's  laws  are  rotten  on  the  shelf, 

And  are  as  powerless  as  the  lord  himself; 

Not  near  a  place  where  human  graves  would  be, 

But  in  the  bottom  of  the  boundless  sea. 

Or  a  deep  bog,  or  some  deserted  cave. 

Should  be  selected  for  the  vulture's  grave. 

Those  lines  will  tell  whene'er  the  monster  dies. 

His  burying  place,  and  where  the  serpent  lies, 

Affix  a  stone  whene'er  the  lord  is  dead, 

It  makes  no  matter  to  his  heels  or  head ; 

And  on  that  stone  be  sure  as  thus  to  write, 

'Tis  all  his  due,  and  neither  spleen  or  spite. 


121 


LORD  JOHN  RUSSELL'S  EPITAPH. 

Here  lies  a  man  beneath  this  heap  of  claj, 
For  whom  its  useless  for  his  friends  to  praj, 
He  kili'd  two  millions  with  the  sword  of  state, 
And  died  exulting  o'er  the  tragic  fate: 
Beneath  he  sleeps,  and  has  no  more  to  saj, 
Dead,  dumb,  defeated,  and  in  sad  decay, 
Here  revelling  worms  rendezvous  to  feast, 
Nor  think  his  lordship  but  a  putrid  beast; 
You'll  know  his  doom,  and  as  the  CMse  is  so, 
Since  fate  consign'd  him  to  the  place  below, 
Bouiid  hand  and  feet,  where  awful  Pluto  reigns, 
His  lordship's  bound  in  everlasting  chains; 
And  for  that  mansion  he  received  his  card, 
Where  devils  dwell  to  agonize  the  lord, 
And  if  the  saints  for  his  release  would  pray, 
'Twould  not  avail,  for  there  he'll  have  to  stay ; 
Let  not  the  orphans  read  the  dreadful  doom. 
That  he  left  wretched  without  house  or  home; 
Altho'  the  creatures  be  with  patience  tried, 
They'd  soon  remember  that  their  parents  died; 
Then  tears  would  flow,  tremendous  to  relate, 
Tho'  not  affected  by  his  lordship's  fate, 
And  hard  to  check  a  full  spontaneous  flow, 
That  comes  from  fountains  of  excessive  wo ; 
How  hard  indeed  had  been  his  final  doom, 
For  being  at  variance  with  the  church  of  Rome, 
And  as  his  acts  were  wicked  in  this  world. 
His  lordship  headlong  into  hell  was  hurl'd. 


11 


123 


TO  LOUIS  NAPOLEON, 

Prince  President  of  the  French  Republic. 

Prince, — As  the  contemplation  of  human  events 
has  occupied  the  serious  attention  and  consideration 
of  theologians,  historians,  philosophers,  statesmen, 
and  all  other  sound  thinking  men,  since  time  imme- 
morial, and  that  that  combination  of  learned  men, 
with  the  exception  of  those  whose  conceptions  and 
understanding  are  clogged,  or  defiled  bj  religious 
animosity,  or  altogether  deprived  of  any  belief  of 
Christian  principles,  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
there  is  an  invisible  hand,  agent,  or  power,  that 
governs  the  action  of  men,  and  all  acknowledge  that 
government  as  the  special  and  unerring  arrange- 
ment of  Divine  Providence.  Prince,  that  providence 
raises  some  of  his  creatures  to  dignity  and  circum- 
stance, and  secures  to  them  the  full  estimation  and 
universal  approbation  of  their  cotemporaries  for 
some  special  purpose  beyond  the  reach  of  human 
comprehension,  and  if  those  men  will  not  claim  that 
elevation  to  be  peculiarly  due  to  their  own  actions 
and  qualifications,,  but  will  consider  it  an  unde- 
served blessing  bestowed  upon  them  by  the  hand  of 
Providence,  the  author  of  all  goodness,  the  giver  of 
all  gifts,  and  the  architect  of  the  universe,  such 
men  will  continue  in  the  administration  of  justice, 
and  their  names  will  be  transmitted  to  posterity; 
the  prayers  of  millions  yet  unborn  will  follow  them 
to  their  graves;  their  memories  will  be  religiously 
observed  and  commemorated  by  the  good,  the  wise, 
and  the  virtuous  of  all  Christian  denominations 
throughout  the  Christian  world.  Prince,  there  can 
be  no  reasonable  man  but  will  acknowledge,  and 
believe  in  the  goodness  of  Divine  Providence,  if  we 
only  look  to  the  liberation  of  St.  Peter  the  apostle, 


124 

from  confinement,  we  must  believe  it  had  been 
effected  by  Divine  Providence ;  and  if  we  look  back 
to  your  ov/n  former  predicament,  when  implicated 
in  the  meshes  of  a  ferocious  and  unapproachable 
tyranny,  confined  within  the  limits  of  an  impreg- 
nable fortress,  we  must  acknowledge  emphatically, 
that  some  invisible  Divine  interposition  efi*ected 
your  escape,  and  placed  you  on  a  throne  more 
grand  and  glorious  than  those  of  kings  and  empe- 
rors, a  throne  created  in  the  hearts  of  seven  mil- 
lions of  Frenchmen ;  a  throne  more  substantial  and 
exalted  than  any  acquired  by  hereditary  humbug  or 
any  other  stratagem.  Prince,  as  Divine  Providence 
has  placed  you  on  the  pinacle  of  fame,  power,  and 
dignity,  basking  in  the  brilliancy  of  a  meridian 
blaze,  your  position  will  only  be  rendered  per- 
manent by  the  wisdom  of  your  government. 

A  president  of  a  great  republic  should  know  his 
dignity,  and  should  also  divest  himself  of  ambition, 
intolerance,  and  all  unjust  severity  incompatible 
with  justice.  By  ambition,  I  mean  a  desire  for 
a  higher  and  more  flourishing  appellation,  or  title, 
than  that  of  president.  By  intolerance,  I  mean, 
restrictions  placed  on  the  religious  observance  of 
those  who  religiously  diff'er  with  us  in  religious 
opinion  ;  for  men,  or  any  body  of  Christians,  that 
sincerely  and  solemnly  love  the  Lord,  can  hate  no 
individual,  or  will  do  no  harm,  and  are  incapable, 
with  divine  assistance,  of  injuring  a  fellow-creature, 
with  outrageous  severity.  By  severity,  I  mean, 
those  who  have  ofi'ended  the  State,  by  the  dissemi- 
nation of  vice,  and  the  corruption  of  virtue,  as  well 
as  all  other  political  transgressions,  should  not  be 
tortured  with  excessive  punishment,  or  excessive 
incarceration.  Prince,  I  do  not  accuse  you  of 
either  ambition,  intolerance  or  severity,  and  the 
way  to  fortify  yourself  against  such  misfortunes,  is 
to  adhere  to  the  admonition  of  that  church,  in 
which  you  were  baptized,  in  which  you  believe,  in 
which  you  live,  and  in  which  you  hope  to  die,  as 


125 

she  will  point  out  to  you,  the  vanity  of  earthly  and 
temporary  distinctions  and  declarations,  the  short- 
ness of  time,  and  the  length  of  eternity.  Prince, 
I  am  happy  to  think,  that  the  discretion  of  your 
government,  so  far,  is  marked  with  prudential  con- 
sideration, and  merits  great  applause,  and  that 
your  actions  indicate  fortitude,  faith  and  fidelity, 
and  that  the  political  stretch  of  your  imagination, 
is  considered  unequalled  and  impregnable,  as  you 
dispelled,  and  I  may  say  annihilated  forever,  the 
framework  of  a  fearful  combination,  that  enveloped, 
not  only  France,  but  all  Christendom,  in  the  clouds 
of  death  and  eternity,  an  illegitimate  and  unhal- 
lowed scheme,  hatched  by  the  vilest  combination 
of  organised  corruption,  the  most  dreadful,  and  the 
most  wicked,  that  ever  polluted  or  infringed  on  the 
laws  of  humanity.  A  dangerous  faction  leagued 
together,  to  destroy  peace,  severity,  and  morality, 
and  to  sap  the  foundation  of  religion,  under  the 
hypocritical  and  assumed  title  of  socialism,  that 
body  has  been  disorganized  with  one  blow  by  your 
assiduity,  and  the  altars  of  the  most  high  protected 
from  sacrilegious  hands,  Europe  saved  from  con- 
vulsions and  unheard  of  atrocities.  Prince,  as  you 
are  chosen  the  successful  candidate,  or  rather,  an 
instrument  in  the  hands  of  Heaven  I  hope ;  there 
is  another  intervention  I  would  suggest  to  your 
consideration,  and  that  is,  the  emancipation  of  my 
unfortunate  country.  I  am  an  Irishman,  thank  God, 
and  proud  of  my  native  land,  tho'  being  in  chains, 
and  enslaved  by  the  unjust  tyranny  of  unhallowed 
rulers,  yet  a  devoted  citizen  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  my  adopted  country,  and  I  know. 
Prince,  you  know  the  history  of  my  native  country 
to  perfection,  and  any  further  investigation  is 
unnecessary,  and  that  by  her  emancipation,  she 
would  be  restored  to  an  elevated  position  to  which 
she  is  entitled,  and  her  position  then  would  be,  as 
it  had  been  before  her  cancellation  by  British  mis- 
rule, great,  glorious  and   free.      Prince,  Ireland 


126 

has  for  a  long  time  groaned  under  the  oppression 
and  intolerance  of  strangers.  The  most  cruel,  the 
most  sanguinary,  and  the  most  desperate  govern- 
ment that  ever  existed  in  any  part  of  the  civilized, 
or  uncivilized  part  of  the  world,  has  crushed  and 
impoverished  my  native  country  for  centuries,  and 
Prince,  if  you  adhere  to  my  admonition,  the  free- 
dom of  that  country  will  be  obtained  without  the 
effusion  of  much  blood,  losing  much  time,  or 
expending  much  treasure.  Harvest  would  be  the 
best  time  for  the  invasion  of  Ireland,  when  pro- 
vision would  be  most  abundant  and  within  the 
reach  of  the  inhabitants,  and  by  landing  fifty 
thousand  men,  and  five  hundred  thousand  stand  of 
arms  in  any  two  places  in  Munster,  that  is,  twenty- 
five  thousand  at  the  mouth  of  the  Shannon,  and 
the  same  force  in  any  point  in  the  county  Cork, 
the  forces  that  would  land  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Shannon,  to  push  with  impetuosity  thro'  the  pro- 
vince of  Connaught,  and  reach  Ulster  as  soon  as 
possible,  to  save  the  inhabitants  of  that  province 
from  the  fury  of  their  remorseless  enemies,  and 
the  army  that  would  land  in  the  county  of  Cork 
to  make  a  vigorous  push  for  the  capital,  and  con- 
fident I  am,  that  that  division  of  the  force  would 
be  reinforced  by  five  hundred  thousand  fighting 
men,  before  it  would  reach  Dublin.  After  the 
subjugation  of  Ulster,  it  would  be  necessary  to 
leave  fifteen  thousand  effective  men  there  to  main- 
tain the  independence  of  the  place,  and  render  it 
impossible  for  the  Scotch,  England's  vassals,  to 
interfere,  and  the  other  ten  thousand  to  march  to 
the  capital  to  join  the  rest  of  the  army.  Prince, 
there  is  another  scheme  I  would  suggest  to  your 
consideration,  in  connection  with  the  invasion  of 
Ireland,  and  that  is,  the  invasion  of  England,  make 
a  simultaneous  attack  on  the  kingdom,  send  across 
to  England  three  hundred  thousand  men,  well 
disciplined,  and  under  skilful  commanders,  and 
let  them  land  in  three  difi'erent  points ;  one-third 


127 

the  number  would  do,  yet  to  do  the  business  with 
dispatch,  as  you  have  men  in  abundance,  and  then, 
each  division  to  push  with  intrepidity  to  the  capital 
of  the  kingdom,  and  in  one  week  after  the  landing 
of  the  troops,  the  independence  of  England  will  be 
within  the  limits  of  your  grasp.  One  hundred  pieces 
of  heavy  cannon  will  be  necessary  for  the  invasion 
of  England,  and  fifty  of  the  same  calibre  for  the 
invasion  of  Ireland.  By  making  an  attack  on  both 
England  and  Ireland  simultaneously,  England  could 
receive  no  assistance  from  Ireland,  neither  could 
Ireland  receive  any  from  England. 

Prince,  after  the  restoration  of  the  two  kingdoms 
to  their  freedom,  or  independence,  let  the  govern- 
ment of  the  two  kingdoms  be  liberal,  solid  and  pro- 
tective, somewhat  similar  to  the  established  laws  of 
this  great  and  glorious  republic.  Let  there  be  no 
restriction  of  religion,  except  in  those  imitations 
that  would  be  dangerous  to  social  order,  and  Chris- 
tianity. Let  every  sect  support  the  ministers  per- 
taining  to  that  sect,  such  liberality  will  secure 
individual  happiness  and  universal  esteem  ;  peace 
order  ajid  harmony  will  triumphantly  reign  in  both 
kingdoms,  and  nothing  will  mar  the  perpetuity  of 
that  happiness — particularly  when  sanctioned  by 
man,  and  blessed  by  Divine  Providence.  Prince,  if 
you  consider  that  I,  as  an  individual,  would  be  of 
any  assistance  in  that  enterprise,  I  am  at  your 
service,  although  advanced  in  years  I  think  I  would* 
My  ambition  and  fortitude  are  as  yet  undiminished. 
I  know  my  native  language  and  can  speak  it  with 
force  and  rapidity,  and  tactics  are  not  beyond  my 
comprehension,  and  to  crown  all,  I  am  an  honest, 
faithful,  incorruptible  patriot,  who  would  not  vio- 
late your  confidence.  I  am  willing,  determined  and; 
venturesome  though  sometimes  cautious,  and  pru- 
dentially  restrained,  and  my  age  could  be  the  only 
impediment ;  but  mind  you.  Prince,  that  an  old  fox 
commits  more  depredation  than  all  the  cubs  in  his 
den.     Prince,  I  am  not  actuated  by  pomposity  or 


128 

any  lucrative  desire,  or  motive,  when  I  offer  myself, 
or  my  feeble  assistance,  for  the  achievement  of  the 
emancipation  of  my  country.  No,  prince,  I  wish  for 
no  consideration,  no  office,  no  honors,  all  I  will 
request  is  to  put  me  in  the  front  of  the  battle  along 
with  my  countrymen,  and  if  I  fall  the  sacrifice  is 
nothing.  I  am  willing  at  any  moment  to  shed  my 
heart's  blood  to  gain  the  independence  of  my  native 
land,  which  has  been  polluted,  oppressed,  impover- 
ished, and  persecuted  for  centuries,  by  an  ambitious, 
tyrannical,  unscrupulous,  sanguinary  and  inexora- 
ble government,  whose  atrocities  for  centuries  are 
beyond  the  power  of  my  feeble  and  grovelling  in- 
vestigation. Prince,  although  there  can  be  no  man 
more  devoted  to  the  welfare  of  his  family  than  I, 
or  more  attached  to  my  adopted  country,  yet  I 
would  commend  all  to  the  protection  of  Providence, 
this  instant  to  join  the  invasion  for  the  redemption 
of  the  Emerald  Isle.  Prince,  were  I  to  fall  in  the 
attempt,  in  that  unfortunate  country,  I  would  be 
sure  of  one  thing  which  would  give  me  unspeakable 
consolation,  expecting,  when  the  last  trumpet  would 
sound,  I  would  arise  in  the  association  of  a  million 
of  saints,  who  suffered  martyrdom  for  the  faith 
originally  believed  by  Saint  Patrick,  and  has  been 
ever  since  unerringly  preserved,  and  taught  in  all 
parts  of  the  Christian  world.  Prince,  I  am  pater- 
nally descended  from  the  ancient  family  of  the 
O'Donovan's,  and  maternally  descended  from  the 
illustrious  house  of  McCarthy,  though  living  conveni- 
ently in  my  native  country,  to  the  vast  estates  and 
inheritance  of  both  families.  The  day  I  left  my 
native  land,  which  has  been  twenty-eight  years  ago, 
I  could  not  openly  declare,  without  implicating 
myself  in  the  meshes  of  official  spies,  who  had  inun- 
dated that  unfortunate  country  at  the  time,  and 
each  more  venemous  and  subtle  than  the  seven- 
headed  monster  destroyed  by  the  matchless  strength 
of  Hercules,  that  one  rood  of  those  extensive  pos- 
sessions had  been  originally  in  the  hands  of  my  an- 


120 

cestors,  or  should  be  mine  by  inheritance.  Prince, 
if  you  act  in  conformity  with  my  suggestions  your 
memory  will  be  embalmed  in  the  affections  of  pos- 
terity, and  when  the  memory  of  Alexander,  of 
Caesar,  and  even  the  memory  of  the  late  and  great 
Napoleon,  your  uncle,  who  suffered  persecution  and 
premature  death  in  the  impregnable  prison  at  St. 
Helena  by  the  treachery  of  the  English  government, 
will  be  buried  in  oblivion,  or  withering  in  obscurity. 
Yours  will  be  green,  unblemished,  and  undiminished, 
in  the  hearts  of  all  good  men  and  commemorated 
by  the  lovers  of  peace,  order,  freedom  and  religion, 
throughout  the  Christian  world.  Prince,  with  pro- 
found respect  and  veneration  for  your  wisdom, 
justice,  judgment,  unerring  sagacity  and  incompa- 
rable abilities,  I  subscribe  myself,  your  humble, 
submissive  and  obedient  servant. 

JEREMIAH  O'DONOVAN. 


131 


A  SONG 

Written  impromptu  at  the  request  of  a  friend  in 
Albany  for  the  Montgomery  Guards,  and  for  the 
purpose  of  singing  it  occasionally  at  their  place  of 
rendezvous. 

You  brave  sons  of  Erin,  whose  nature  and  notion 

Are  bent  on  promotion,  come  hear  to  my  strains, 
And  think  of  that  island,  the  gem  of  the  ocean. 

That  sighs  with  emotion  in  bondage  and  chains ; 
And  think  of  the  heroes  that  slumber  in  glory. 
With  heads  white  and  hoary  who  marshal'd  in 
-     glee. 
And  told  the  bold  tyrants  this  beautiful  story, 
Come,  clear  in  a  hurry,  we  want  to  be  free. 
And  think  of  that  island, 
That  green  little  island. 
That  dear  little  island  the  gem  of  the  sea. 

As  fortune  divorced  us  from  British  oppression. 

We'll  kneel  with  discretion  on  liberty's  shrine, 
And  take  a  fine  view  which  will  leave  an  imi3ression 
Of  the  bright  stars  of  freedom  that  brilliantly 
shine. 
Here  tyrants  can't  trample  on  any  devotion, 

Inspired  by  that  notion  we  cross'd  the  wide  sea ; 
And  here  we  can  breathe  without  fear  or  emotion, 
On  the  land  that  is  glorious, — because  it  is  free; 
0 !  think  of  that  island. 
That  green  cover'd  island, 
That  sweet  little  island  the  gem  of  the  sea. 


132 

If  Vulcan's  huge  cannon  should  cross  the  wide  ocofin, 

And  Mars  take  a  notion  to  manage  the  fleet ; 
How  soon  we  would  rally  with  zeal  and  devotion, 

And  stain  his  promotion  wherever  we'd  meet. 
Each  tyrant  existing  in  grandeur  and  glory, 

Like  all  other  cronies  should  forfeit  his  fee ; 
And  chains  and  dark  dungeons  could  live  but  in 
story. 
And  venomous  tories  should  certainly  flee. 
0  !  think  of  that  island, 
Our  own  little  island. 
Our  dear  little  island,  the  gem  of  the  sea. 

0  !  think  of  the  hero  who  fell  in  December, 

And  ever  remembeu  Montgomery  Guards, 
If  fortune  had  favoured  the  town  should  surrender, 

Tho'  all  its  defenders  were  nobles  and  lords. 
And  think  of  our  sir^es,  with  an  iron-bound  bondage, 

How  often  they  struggled  for  their  liberty. 
And  steer  for  that  nation  in  chains  and  in  bandage, 

And  angels  will  aid  you  to  set  them  all  free. 
0  !  steer  for  that  island, 
That  beautiful  island, 

That  down  trodden  island,  the  gem  of  the  sea, 

O'DONOYON. 


,BOSTO^  COLLEGE 


3  9031   01213090  2 


Date  Due 


^"""^^^177^ 

^■[irri7-q 

H  MAP   9'35 

li/  .  /»    • 

h/ 

BOSTON   COLLEGE  LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  HEIGHTS 
CHESTNUT  HILL,  MASS. 


Books  may  be  kept  for  two  weeks  and  may 
be  renewed  for  the  same  period,  unless  re- 
served. 

Two  cents  a  day  is  charged  for  each  book 
kept  overtime. 

If  you  cannot  find  what  you  want,  ask  the 
Librarian  who  will  be  glad  to  help  you. 

The  borrower  is  responsible  for  books  drawn 
on  his  card  and  for  all  fines  accruing  on  the 
same. 


